HC Deb 29 July 1931 vol 255 cc2280-2
53. Mr. MORLEY

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs how many persons have been assisted to migrate under the provisions of the Empire Settlement Act during the years 1929, 1930 and 1931?

Mr. THOMAS

The number of persons assisted to migrate under the Empire Settlement Act during 1929, 1930 and the first six months of 1931 was 34,476, 11,506 and 1,582 respectively. In addition 37,274, 17,589 and 2,454 persons respectively were assisted under the special £10 rate to migrate to Canada in the same periods.

Mr. MORLEY

Can the right hon. Gentleman inform the House how much of the £3,000,000 which was originally hypothecated for this purpose has been expended?

Mr. THOMAS

I cannot say without notice.

Mr. MATTERS

Can the right hon. Gentleman say to what extent these settlers have had to be assisted to return to this country?

Mr. THOMAS

We are not responsible for the return, but it is true that large numbers have been returned.

80. Captain Sir GEORGE BOWYEK

asked the Financial Secretary to the Treasury whether the sum of £1,500, which has been allocated for the expenses of the Royal Commission which is inquiring into settlers' grievances in Australia, has yet been expended?

Mr. THOMAS

I have been asked to answer this question. The sum of £750 was provided in the Oversea Settlement Vote for 1930 towards the cost of the Victoria Royal Commission of which approximately £259 was expended up to 31st March, 1931. The balance of £491 reverted to the Exchequer. An additional sum of £750 was provided in the Estimates for 1931, of which approximately £59 has been expended up to the present date.

Sir G. BOWYER

Will the right hon. Gentleman see that this inquiry does go on until all the reasonable grievances have been heard?

Mr. THOMAS

We cannot instruct the Dominions on a matter of this kind, but the representations we have made would tend to show that we want the thing thoroughly examined.

Captain WATERHOUSE

In view of the fact that His Majesty's Government invariably refuse to be guided by the reports of Royal Commissions, does the right hon. Gentleman think this is any good?

Mr. THOMAS

That is rather an undesirable statement in view of the number of folks who are so vitally affected. The hon. and gallant Member is not helping his hon. Friend by that question.