§ 7. Mr. MAXTON forasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the weekly amounts paid to unemployed migrants in Australia; and how many are living in huts and tents in the concentration camps which have bee set up?
Mr. THOMASThe weekly allowances to unemployed migrants in Australia are different in the different States. They also vary according to whether the migrant is married or single. In all cases, however, they are the same for migrants as for native-born Australians who are unemployed. I shall be glad to furnish further details to the hon. Member if he should desire them. No figures are available which would enable me to answer the second part of the question.
§ Mr. MAXTONCan the right hon. Gentleman say whether he is doing anything to ease the condition of these people?
Mr. THOMASMy hon. Friend and others have sent me numerous complaints, every one of which has been taken up.
§ Mr. MAXTONBut on the general question?
Mr. THOMASOn the general question, my first effort was to see that there was no differentiation between migrants and native-born Australians, and I have secured that there shall not be, and that is the maximum which I think I can hope to accomplish.