§ 22. Sir G. HURSTasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what sums have been so far expended on settlement in Canada under the Empire Settlement Act, 1922; and if any balances of the sums granted are now available to finance further settlements in Western Canada?
Mr. J. H. THOMASThe expenditure from the Vote for Oversea Settlement under the Empire Settlement Act, 1922, on settlement schemes in Canada amounted to £872,519 to the end of 1931. The bulk of this money has been advanced to the settlers by way of loan. Any unexpended balances on the Vote, after taking into account any repayments of loans, are surrendered to the Exchequer year by year in accordance with the provisions of the Appropriation Act and are therefore not available to finance further settlement.
§ Mr. ANNESLEY SOMERVILLEMay I ask whether funds are still available under the Empire Settlement Act to continue the £10 passage scheme, and whether migrants are still going out under that scheme?
Mr. THOMASFunds are available, but there is a moral responsibility in advising people to go out to any of our Dominions unless they are sure of a job in advance. I want to make it perfectly clear that I am not only so advising, but I am persuading people not to take a risk when I know that there is little prospect for them.