HC Deb 25 February 1932 vol 262 cc559-60
83. Mr. MABANE

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the number of British migrants deported from the Dominion of Canada during 1930 and 1931, showing separately the numbers deported because they had become a public charge and the numbers deported because they had committed an offence?

The SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. J. H. Thomas)

The total figures are not available, but as regards assisted migrants, in 1930, 296 were deported because they had committed offences, and 1,402 as public charges. The corresponding figures for 1931 were 267 and 1,531.

Mr. MABANE

In view of the economic consequences, will it be possible to discuss at Ottawa this important question of the deportation of British migrants?

Mr. THOMAS

I am in constant communication about this question, but the ultimate authority must be the Dominion.

84. Mr. MABANE

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs when representations were first made to the Government of Victoria for the appointment of a Royal Commission to investi- gate the condition of migrants from this country to the Victorian Mallee country; and when the Royal Commission was in fact established?

Mr. THOMAS

My predecessor telegraphed to the then Prime Minister of the Commonwealth on this subject in December, 1929. In July, 1930, the Government of Victoria announced their decision to appoint a Royal Commission. The formal appointment of the Commission was issued on 10th December, 1930, and it commenced its inquiries on the 9th February, 1931.

Earl WINTERTON

In view of the importance of this question, and the allegation that the British Government have a responsibility in the matter, will not some means be found of communicating the report of the Commission to this House?

Mr. THOMAS

Yes, I hope an opportunity will be given for this House to be informed of the whole situation. I have made it abundantly clear that we accept no responsibility, bet, equally, I have urged that in cases of distress no discrimination should be made between migrants and Australian-born subjects, and I am pleased to say that that is being carried out.

Earl WINTERTON

Do I understand that provision will be made for us to have an opportunity of putting forward our views?

Mr. THOMAS

The arrangements will be made through the usual channels, and that is not a matter for me.

Mr. MABANE

Is not this report long overdue in view of the fact that these migrants have been living on subsistence allowances from the State of Victoria since the end of 1929?