HC Deb 09 November 1937 vol 328 cc1564-5
16. Colonel Nathan

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the number of emigrants from this country admitted to each of the self-governing Dominions during each of the past three years, and the number of returning emigrants from the same, respectively, during each such period; and what is His Majesty's Government's policy in regard to the emigration of British subjects within the British Empire?

Marquess of Hartington

As the answer to the first part of the question contains tables of figures, I will, with the hon. and gallant Member's permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. As regards the second part of the question, the policy of the Government is embodied in the Empire Settlement Act of this year, and I would refer the hon. and gallant Member to the statements made on behalf of the Government during the debates on this Act.

Colonel Nathan

While thanking the Noble Lord for his reply, may I ask whether the total number of emigrants is greater or less than the number of immigrants into this country from the Dominions?

Marquess of Hartington

I think the total number returning to this country was greater in the last three years than the number of those leaving the country.

Mr. Louis Smith

Does the Department propose to make a full statement to the House during the next few months as to the negotiations which have taken place with the Dominions by the Secretary of State since the last Debate on the subject?

— Emigrants from the United Kingdom (British subjects only). Years ending 30th June. Immigrants into the United Kingdom (British subjects only). Years ending 30th June.
1935. 1936. 1937. 1935. 1936. 1937.
British North America (Canada and Newfoundland). 2,084 2,309 2,402 10,864 9,539 9,929
Australia 4,559 4,275 4,156 5,582 5,408 4,716
New Zealand 1,314 1,408 1,630 2,167 2,038 1,938
South Africa (Union, Southern Rhodesia, etc.). 4,367 4,885 5,260 3,755 3,744 3,818