§ 50. Mr. ANNESLEY SOMERVILLEasked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs how many migrants to Canada have gone out under the £10–passage scheme in the last three months?
§ Mr. LUNNThe total number of British migrants proceeding to Canada in the three months ending 28th February last (the latest date to which figures are available) was approximately 2,849. The number proceeding at the £10 rate was approximately 1,464.
§ Mr. SOMERVILLEIs it the intention of the Government to continue this excellent scheme?
§ Mr. LUNNThe £10 passage agreement terminates at the end of this year. Some 37,140 persons went to Canada during 1929 under that agreement, and we are hoping to be able to make arrangements for its continuance after this year.
§ Captain CAZALETDo all these migrants go out to agricultural occupations, or are these cheap passages open to migrants seeking other occupations?
§ Mr. LUNNThose who go under the Empire Settlement Act usually go for work upon the land, but the £10 rate is provided for either industrialists or land workers.
§ 51. Mr. SOMERVILLEasked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs how many migrants have gone to Canada and to Australia, respectively, with assisted passages, under the Empire Settlement Act, during the last three months; and how many applicants are approved for migration in April, May and June?
§ Mr. LUNNThe number of migrants proceeding to Canada and Australia, respectively, with assisted passages during the last three months was approximately 2,500 and 1,200. Applicants approved for assisted passages to Canada are provided with warrants on which they book their own passage. Outstanding warrants available to the end of June cover 914 2160 persons. Assisted settlers booked for Australia to the end of June at present number 67.
§ 52. Mr. SOMERVILLEasked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether it is the intention of the Government to make a statement of policy with regard to Empire migration and settlement?
§ Mr. LUNNNo, Sir. His Majesty's Government do not anticipate that they will be in a position to make any general statement on this question until after the forthcoming Imperial Conference.
§ Mr. SOMERVILLECan the hon. Gentleman say whether they have taken into consideration the possibility of modifying the fifty-fifty basis of the Empire Settlement Act?
§ Mr. LUNNThe whole question of the Empire Settlement Act and any arrangements that can be made to, facilitate migration are now being considered, and the Oversea Settlement Committee have decided upon a special meeting for the purpose of providing material for the Imperial Conference when it takes place.
§ Mr. WARDLAW-MILNEMay I take it from that that communications are being carried on with the Dominions regarding the discussions which must take place at the Imperial Conference?