§ 17. Mr. KIRKWOODasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is yet in a position to announce the steps he is taking to aleviate the conditions of British migrants in Australia?
Mr. J. H. THOMASI can only add to the answer given to the hon. Member on the 16th November, that the various organisations which provide Aftercare for United Kingdom migrants in Australia are receiving grants to assist them in their work, and that the Commonwealth Government are being asked to cooperate with a view to the effective maintenance of aftercare arrangements.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODIs the right hon. Gentleman aware of the fact that in the Black Boy district of Western Australia the unemployed who are taken there are deprived of all civil rights, and the alternative is starvation?
Mr. THOMASI do not know any of those details, but from the moment, now over 12 months ago, that my attention was drawn to the unfortunate position, I took all the steps in my power to give assistance. The present Government are continuing in that direction, but it is fair to emphasise the fact that the responsibility does not rest with us. It is Australia's responsibility. I desire to make that perfectly clear.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODThe unemployed in this country left these islands in large numbers. Some went to America and some to Australia. Now we are told—[HON. MEMBERS: "Speech!"]—that those who are coming back from America and who took up citizenship there are not allowed here—
§ Mr. SPEAKERThe hon. Member must ask a question.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODOwing to the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to 932 give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment to-night.
§ Mr. LAWSONIs it not a fact that—