HC Deb 20 April 1932 vol 264 cc1468-70
36. Mr. McGOVERN

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he can state the number of unemployed migrants in South Australia, West Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, and Queensland, and also in Canada?

Mr. THOMAS

The figures asked for by the hon. Member are not available, as neither the Australian nor the Canadian authorities distinguish between native-born and migrant unemployed.

Mr. McGOVERN

Will the right hon. Gentleman inform me if any steps are being taken to keep a record of the number?

Mr. THOMAS

No, it is not my business to keep a record of unemployment in the Dominions. The origin of this particular question was a desire to urge me to ensure that no discrimination between native-born and migrants was made, and so far as that is concerned, I have succeeded in doing it.

Mr. MAXTON

Will the right hon. Gentleman get the numbers of migrants who were sent out under the Empire Settlement Act?

Mr. THOMAS

I should like to see the form in which the question is put.

Viscountess ASTOR

Is there any unemployment insurance in any of the Dominions and Colonies?

37. Mr. McGOVERN

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that 20 children were sent out to Western Australia on 12th April; and if any agreement was made between the Government of Western Australia and the Home Government with regard to these children?

Mr. THOMAS

The answer to both parts of the question is in the affirmative. The party of children referred to, which numbered 40, is proceeding to the Fair-bridge Farm School in Western Australia. This farm school, which was established before the War, is administered by the Child Emigration Society of Oxford, and is supported by the Western Australia Government as well as by His Majesty's Governments in the United Kingdom and in the Commonwealth of Australia.

Mr. McGOVERN

Does the right hon. Gentleman think it desirable to encourage the sending out of children to a country that is teeming with unemployed farm labour?

Mr. THOMAS

It is not a question of sending out children to a country teeming with unemployed. So far as the records of our office are concerned, and so far as my own personal investigation goes, no society is doing better work in the selection of those who are sent out and, what I am sure the bon. Member has in mind, their after-care, than this particular society.