HC Deb 01 June 1933 vol 278 cc2062-3
57. Mr. MAXTON

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs if he has now considered the report of the Royal Commission on Migrant Land Settlement in Australia; and if he is prepared to take any steps for the relief of the distressed migrants?

Mr. J. H. THOMAS

The report is receiving the careful consideration of the Victorian Government. I will inform the House as soon as I am notified of their decision.

Mr. MAXTON

That is not what I am asking. Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that these men went out there not merely on the responsibility of the Victorian Government, but on the joint responsibility of the British Government, of this House, and of the Victorian Government, and I ask what steps do the Government propose to take to remedy the wrong that they have done to these people.

Mr. THOMAS

I do not admit that the British Government have Responsibility for any wrong, but my hon. Friend is well aware that a report was submitted after investigation, and that report is now receiving the attention of the Victorian Government. I have also made representations on this matter. I do not dis- guise the difficulties of these unfortunate people, but I prefer not to say more at this stage, except that when the report of the Victorian Government is submitted to me I will report to the House. Then I shall be in a better position to answer questions.

Mr. MAXTON

Do I understand that the right hon. Gentleman recognises the share of responsibility that is borne by the Government of this country?

Mr. THOMAS

on the contrary, I was very careful to preface my remarks by saying that I do not accept the strictures about the responsibility of this Government.

Mr. MAXTON

I wonder whether you, Mr. Speaker, have any powers to prevent Ministers side-stepping questions instead of answering them. I ask the right hon. Gentleman whether he is saying now that this House of Commons did not pass the legislation under which these men were transferred to Australia?

Mr. THOMAS

It is not for me to deny any legislation passed by this House.

Mr. MAXTON

Then may I ask the right hon. Gentleman—

Mr. SPEAKER

We cannot go on like this indefinitely.

Mr. MAXTON

On a point of Order. I have no desire to go on indefinitely. I only wish to proceed long enough to get one straight reply to my original question. May I ask the right hon. Gentleman if he is now denying the principle that he laid down so strongly on the Irish Treaty, that responsibility for agreements entered into by one Government must be taken by another?

Mr. THOMAS

Any reference I made to the Irish question I stick to.

Mr. MAXTON

You are away with the winners to-day.