§ 35. Mr. TURTONasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is aware that the Victorian Government is taking steps to prevent settlers in Victoria who owe any debts in Australia from returning to this country; and whether he will make representations to secure that these men are enabled to return home if they so desire?
The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for DOMINION AFFAIRS (Mr. Malcolm Mac Donald)My right hon. Friend has received no information to the effect suggested by the hon. Member. On the contrary, the Victorian Government have provided a sum of £8,000 to meet the pressing private debts of settlers, and, as my right hon. Friend stated in the House on the 22nd March, the United Kingdom Government have supplemented this grant by a further sum of £10,000 for the same purpose.
§ Mr. TURTONIs not my hon. Friend aware that a High Court Writ has been issued against every Victorian settler who is entitled to compensation and that a statement on it was deposited at the Dominions Office yesterday by a number of settlers who have arrived from Victoria?
Mr. MACDONALDI think some action has been taken by private traders and not by the Victorian Government, as is suggested here. So far as the Government are concerned, they have given facilities which should enable the debts to be paid and the settlers to get away if they want to do so.
§ Mr. TURTONIs the hon. Gentleman not aware that one settler had to try to board the boat at three different ports in Australia because officers were seeking to arrest him, and will he make representations to the Victorian Government that those settlers who wish to return should be allowed to have refuge in this country notwithstanding that they owe private debts?
Mr. MACDONALDIf my hon. Friend has any case he would like to let me have, I will certainly look into it, but I think the action he referred to has not been taken by the Victorian Government. I will look into any cases.