§ 3. Mr. DUNCANasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is aware that his predecessor stated, on 20th June, 1935 [OFFICIAL REPORT, 20th June, 1935, col. 593, Vol. 302], that there have never been fewer than 50,000 people ready, anxious, and willing to emigrate; how was this figure arrived at; and whether this figure is substantially accurate to-day?
Mr. M. MacDONALDThe figure in question was, I understand, based on an estimate made some years ago when Government-aided migration schemes were in active operation. As my hon. Friend is aware, such schemes are at present in abeyance owing to the depression, and it is consequently impossible to estimate whether this figure still holds good.
§ Mr. LOUIS SMITHMay I ask whether during this Parliament the right hon. Gentleman proposes to take definite measures in the direction of increasing the amount of emigration?
Mr. MacDONALDI am anxious that emigration should start again as early as possible, but beyond that I cannot go at the present time.
§ Mr. LUNNWhat steps does the right hon. Gentleman propose to take in view of the fact that many thousands more are now coming back to this country than are leaving the country? Will the right hon. Gentleman tell us what he is going to do?
Mr. MacDONALDI said that I am anxious emigration should start again as soon as possible; that means as soon as economic conditions allow.