§ 62. Mr. DAYasked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the number of persons rejected during the previous 12 months by the Canadian Government doctors as unfit for migration to Canada?
§ Mr. PALINGThe total number of persons rejected in this country on medical examination as "prohibited immigrants" under the Canadian Immigration Law during 1929 was 1,289. In addition 9,523 persons were certified owing to physical defects as unsuitable, though not prohibited, migrants, but of this number 3,436 were subsequently permitted to proceed, after the Dominion authorities had satisfied themselves that the arrangements for their settlement in Canada were satisfactory, and on 21st February 431 were still under consideration. The total number of persons finally rejected up to that date was, therefore, 6,945. The total number of persons examined was 86,793.
§ Mr. DAYCan the hon. Member say whether the large number of rejections is caused through the increased standard of fitness required by the Canadian authorities?
§ Mr. PALINGI must ask my hon. Friend to put down another question on that point.
Viscountess ASTORSeeing the enormous number of people who are rejected, will the hon. Member bear in mind that the best way of really dealing with unfit citizens is the establishment of nursing schools and welfare centres in crowded areas?
§ Mr. HASLAMMay I ask if the hon. Member is satisfied that the expense to which intending migrants are put in connection with this medical examination is reduced to the minimum?
§ Mr. PALINGI will put that point before my right hon. Friend.