HC Deb 16 March 1932 vol 263 cc275-7
47. Miss CAZALET

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the number of people who migrated from this country to the Dominions and Colonies during 1913, 1920, and 1931, and the total amount expended in State-aided schemes in each of these years?

Mr. THOMAS

The numbers were 285,046 in 1913, 198,593 in 1920 and 27,151 in 1931. The 1931 figures do not include migrants from the Irish Free State, who numbered 596. No money was expended on State-aided schemes in 1913. In 1920 the expenditure was £702,200 and in 1931 £165,500. I may add that the number of persons who entered this country from Other parts of the Empire in 1931 with the intention of remaining here permanently was 53,181; the balance of entrants over migrants was therefore 26,030.

Miss CAZALET

Could the right hon. Gentleman give any assurance that this very important question of migration will be fully discussed at the Ottawa Conference?

Mr. THOMAS

The figures I have given show, I believe for the first time in the history of this country, more entering than leaving. When it is remembered that in one year those leaving this country were 286,000, it will be seen what an effect on our unemployment figures these figures have. Equally it is true to say that we do not propose to encourage migration unless there is a real opening. If at Ottawa we can improve the economic position of the Dominions, that will be the best method of dealing with this question.

Mr. D. GRENFELL

Has the right hon. Gentleman seen the views expressed by a distinguished Canadian representative on the question of sending boys to Canada?

Mr. THOMAS

I have seen them, and no encouragement of any sort is given by the Government to folk leaving this country where there is no prospect of employment, but that only emphasises the necessity of restoring our Dominions to their former economic prosperity.

Mr. KIRKWOOD

What provisions are the Government now going to make for a number of migrants who went to Australia as the result of propaganda in 1927 and are now up against it? What are the Government prepared to do to assist them to come back to Britain?

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not arise out of the question.

Major COLFOX

Are migrants from the Irish Free State given financial assistance?

Mr. SPEAKER

That does not arise out of the question.