§ 1. Mr. T. GRIFFITHSasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether there is at present any assisted scheme for migration to the Dominions of British subjects; and which Dominions will accept British migrants and the conditions under which they will be admitted to the Dominion?
Mr. J. H. THOMASIn view of existing economic conditions, migration to the Dominions is not being encouraged at the present time, and the assisted passage schemes for migrants from this country are in abeyance apart from exceptional cases involving the reunion of families. Migrants from this country who pay their own way are admitted to all the Dominions if they can comply with the Immigration Regulations, that is, provided that they are of good health and character and are not likely to become a public charge.
§ Mr. GRIFFITHSDoes the right hon. Gentleman intend to consult with other Dominions?
Mr. THOMASIt may certainly be a matter for discussion, but the chief point at the moment is that it would be unfair to assist or encourage migrants when one knows the conditions oversea, and I am certainly not doing that.
§ Mr. MAXTONWill the right hon. Gentleman consider taking steps to assist distressed British immigrants in the Dominions to get back among their friends?
Mr. THOMASI have always explained, in answer to several questions, that that is not a matter for which the British Government are responsible. In answer to previous questions to-day and on other occasions, I have indicated that we are doing all we can to assist British immigrants who are in distress in various parts of our Dominions.
§ Mr. MAXTONWhy is it not a matter for the British Government, who send men out there, to consider what we should do with these men?
Mr. THOMASIt had better be clearly and definitely stated that the British Government do not, and to my knowledge never have, sent men out. They go on their own initiative, and it is our duty to acquaint them with the facts and circumstances. It is not true to say that we send men out.
§ Mr. MAXTONIs the right hon. Gentleman attempting to tell us that it was not the policy of the last two Governments to stimulate and to assist migration to the Dominions?
Mr. THOMASTo stimulate by giving the facts and to assist by reduced passages—yes; but the final and last word is with the migrants themselves. The best answer is that there was no occasion, in either the 1924 Labour Parliament or in the 1929 Labour Parliament, when my hon. Friend was Under-Secretary, when there were not thousands more anxious to go than could possibly be sent.
§ Mr. KIRKWOODThe Minister admits that they did assist migrants, and it is their duty to assist them to get back.
§ Mr. SPEAKERWe really cannot have a Debate.