HC Deb 13 July 1937 vol 326 cc1049-50
43. Mr. Riley

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs how many British and foreign emigrants, respectively, have entered Canada during the two years ended May, 1937; and whether any negotiations are at present taking place between His Majesty's Government and the Canadian Government with a view to facilitating the settlement of British subjects in the Dominion of Canada?

Mr. M. MacDonald

The latest available statement issued by the Canadian authorities as to immigration to Canada by nationalities relates to the year ending 31st March, 1936. In that year 11,103 immigrants arrived in Canada, of whom 2,973 were British subjects, 4,338 were citizens of the United States of America, and 3,792 of other nationalities. As regards the second part of the question, some discussion took place at the time of the Imperial Conference with the Canadian Minister concerned, from which it appeared that the Canadian Government feel that the time has not yet arrived when they could co-operate in the resumption of assisted migration to Canada from this country.

Mr. Lunn

Will the right hon. Gentleman communicate to all those hon. Members who want a discussion on migration what has taken place between this country and the Dominions, and the impossibility of any scheme of migration being established?

Sir H. Croft

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that three of the Provinces of Canada have definitely stated through their Governments that they are ready to reconsider the question of migration?

Mr. MacDonald

The Government with which we have to deal in this matter is the Government of the Dominion. In answer to the question put by the hon. Member for Rothwell (Mr. Lunn), I am sure that those who are interested in this question, as many hon. Members are, will follow very closely the answer that I have given to this question.

Mr. Riley

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a considerable number of foreigners or naturalised foreigners have entered Canada recently?

Mr. MacDonald

The figures for the year following that which I have given seem to be very similar. There is a slight increase in most categories in those given for 1937, but they are figures relating only to the origin of the immigrants. There is a slight variation between those figures and the figures which describe accurately the nationality of the immigrants.