HC Deb 23 February 1937 vol 320 cc1808-9
15. Sir Patrick Hannon

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether statistics are available of the number of emigrants from foreign countries into Canada in the years 1924, 1929, 1931, and the latest year for which such returns have been prepared?

The Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)

According to the annual reports of the Canadian Department of Immigration and Colonisation, the number of emigrants from foreign countries into Canada in the years ending 31st March, 1924, 1929, 1931 and 1936, were 72,331, 108,843, 60,639 and 9,054 respectively, Of these, 17,211, 30,560, 24,280 and 5,121 respectively were from the United States of America.

Sir P. Hannon

Are any negotiations in progress with the Dominion of Canada to substitute as far as possible an excess of British people, instead of all these foreigners who are coming into the Dominion?

Mr. MacDonald

I cannot add anything to what I said in the Debate.

Sir P. Hannon

Is not the Minister aware of the strong feeling in Canada that the whole of public life is being infiltrated by all these foreigners?

Mr. Bellenger

How do the figures roughly compare with the numbers of British immigrants?

Mr. MacDonald

I have the figures, but as the House will not remember the figures which have already been given, perhaps the hon. Member will put down a question, and then I can give him the comparison.

16. Sir P. Hannon

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he can make a statement on the organised effort which is being made in certain foreign countries in Central Europe for the encouragement of emigration to British Dominions and the nature of the subsidies or financial provision made for the settlement of such emigrants in any of our Overseas Dominions?

Mr. MacDonald

I am not aware that any Government in Central Europe organises the migration of its nationals to British Dominions, or provides a special subsidy for that purpose.

Sir P. Hannon

Would the right hon. Gentleman make inquiries on this matter, because it is suggested in Canada that there are agencies definitely working towards the introduction of foreigners into Canada from Central European countries; will he make inquiries of the Dominion Government?

Mr. MacDonald

I think that my answer indicates that no Central European Governments are taking action in this direction. If any private organisation is taking some action of the kind, that is another question.