§ 80. Mr. ANNESLEY SOMERVILLEasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he has any information as to whether the Royal Commission of inquiry into the position of overseas settlers in Victoria is sitting; and whether interim recommendations by the Commission are anticipated?
§ The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)I understand that the Royal Commission on Migrant Land Settlement in Victoria resumed their sessions on the 30th March. As regards the second part of the question, I have no information as to the intentions of the Commission.
§ Mr. SOMERVILLEIn view of the urgent needs of these settlers can the right hon. Gentleman do anything effective to help them?
§ Mr. THOMASAs I have told the House, it is a difficult subject, and we cannot in any way be held responsible for migrants in different parts of the Dominions, and, equally, I cannot anticipate the recommendations of the Commission.
§ Mr. SOMERVILLEHave not the Government a moral responsibility for these settlers?
§ Mr. THOMASI hope that suggestion is not going to be upheld in this House. The hon. Member will know where it leads.