HC Deb 01 December 1938 vol 342 c571
20. Mr. Leslie

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the intensive studies into the question of international migration for settlement undertaken by the International Labour Office and presented to the Governing Body in April, 1938, he will instruct those who are studying the possibilities of oversea settlement to give full consideration to the concrete proposals made in this document, including financial proposals?

Mr. E. Brown

I presume the hon. Member refers to the proposal to establish a Permanent International Committee of Migration for Settlement made by the Technical Conference of Experts on Migration, which met in Geneva in March of this year. This proposal is at present under consideration by the Governing Body of the International Labour Office, and meanwhile the report of the conference of experts is being examined by the Departments concerned.

Mr. Leslie

Is there any likelihood or hope of a report soon?

Mr. Brown

I would like notice of that question. I am not aware at the moment as to whether we are likely to get it soon. The hon. Member will realise that the migration problem has been rather overwhelmed by the refugee problem.