§ 9. Mr. ROBINSONasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what steps his Department proposes to take, following the collapse of the Victorian land settlement scheme in Australia, to formulate new schemes to assist the ruined settlers to maintain themselves?
§ 10. Mr. DAVID GRENFELLasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he will issue a report upon the condition of persons who went to Victoria under the land settlement scheme?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)The position of the settlers in question is dealt with in the report of the Royal Commission on Migrant Land Settlement, a copy of which is being placed in the Library of the House. As regards the action to be taken thereon, this is a matter, in the first instance, for the decision of the Victorian Government. My right hon. Friend understands that the commission's report is being carefully considered by them, and he hopes that an announcement on the subject may be made at an early date.
§ Mr. GRENFELLDoes not the right hon. Gentleman accept some responsibility on behalf of the Government for giving immediate relief to these people? How long are they to remain without any relief at all?
§ Mr. MacDONALDWe are anxious that the matter should be settled as soon as possible, and so far no unreasonable delay has elapsed since a report was presented to the Government of Victoria.
§ Mr. GRENFELLI beg to give notice that we shall raise this matter when there is an opportunity for a full discussion, that is, on the Vote for the Department.