§ 39. Mr. LUNNasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he is in a position to make a. further statement regarding the action to be taken by the Government in the United Kingdom on the Report of the Royal Commission on Migrant Land Settlement in Victoria, Australia?
Mr. J. H. THOMASThe Conference to which I referred in my answer of the 18th July is now in session, and I am not therefore as yet in a position to add anything to that answer. I can, however, assure my hon. Friend that I am continuing to take all possible steps to expedite a decision in this matter.
Mr. THOMASI have no reason to believe that the Conference will be finished to-night, and therefore I could not indicate the decision of the Conference, but I shall nave no hesitation in stating to-morrow the views of the British Government on this matter.
§ Mr. MAXTONDoes the right hon. Gentleman realise that this matter has been before the House now for nearly two years, ever since he has been in office, and that many people in Australia are suffering very seriously because he is unable to take a decision on the matter?
Mr. THOMASNo. If the latter part of the hon. Member's question were true, I would feel guilty, but the other people are creating the difficulties.
§ 40. Mr. LUNNasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what is the estimate of the financial loss of all those migrants who went from the United Kingdom to Victoria and whose complaints have recently been inquired into by a Royal Commission?