HC Deb 23 February 1932 vol 262 cc203-4
21. Sir GERALD HURST

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has had brought to his notice the report of the Saskatchewan Royal Commission on Immigration; and if he can hold out any prospect of steps being taken to increase the proportion of immigration from the United Kingdom into this province?

Mr. J. H. THOMAS

I have seen the report in question but the decision as to further immigration from the United Kingdom into Saskatchewan rests with the Dominion and Provincial Governments, and I have not received any intimation that they regard further immigration into that Province as opportune at the present time.

Sir G. HURST

Do His Majesty's Government intend to raise the question of migration at the Ottawa Conference?

Mr. THOMAS

The question of migration is in my personal opinion definitely associated and linked up with the prosperity of the Dominions, and if we can evolve a scheme which will restore their prosperity then the question of migration, obviously, becomes a practical question, and must be considered in that light.

Mr. HANNON

My hon. and learned Friend asks whether His Majesty's Government will raise this question at the Ottawa Conference and the Secretary of State has not answered it. Will His Majesty's Government raise this question at the Ottawa Conference?

Mr. THOMAS

I know my hon. Friend sufficiently well to know that in his business relations, no matter what he may do in this House, he is always very careful; and I am going to be the same at Ottawa.