HC Deb 12 December 1933 vol 284 cc192-3
17. Mr. FLEMING

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if any measures have been taken to establish British community settlements on farms in the eastern provinces of Canada; and whether any money grant has been made by the United Kingdom's Government since November, 1931, to encourage such settlements?

Mr. J. H. THOMAS

So far as His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom is concerned, no measures have been taken and no money grants have been made in connection with the establishment of community settements in Canada.

Mr. FLEMING

Is it the fact that in the last few years British settlement in Canada has been steadily decreasing, whereas non-British immigration has been steadily increasing?

Mr. THOMAS

That is true, but it is equally true that a large number of people have been compelled by economic reasons to come back to this country. I certainly would not advocate sending people out unless I was sure that they were able to get a job.

Brigadier-General NATION

Is the right hon. Gentleman's Department contemplating any land settlement at all in that part of Canada?

Mr. THOMAS

The Department has under review the whole problem at this moment, but, as I have said, it depends upon the economic changes that are likely to take place in the Dominion. I repeat that it would be bad policy to send people unless they were sure of a job.

Mr. MAXTON

Will the right hon. Gentleman try to get the Victorian trouble settled before he starts any more schemes of this kind?