HC Deb 17 May 1938 vol 336 cc207-8
24. Sir Henry Morris-Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he can give any information as to the present negotiations between His Majesty's Government and the Dominion of Australia concerning emigration

Mr. M. MacDonald

I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 9th March to the hon. Member for Normanton (Mr. T. Smith) regarding the renewal of the grant of assisted passages to Australia in respect of two classes of migrants. since that date, as a result of consultation between the United Kingdom Government and Commonwealth Government, it has been announced by the latter that a third class may be considered for the grant of assisted passages to Australia, namely, persons who have not been nominated by friends or relatives in Australia, but which would be in possession on arrival there of certain specified minimum amounts of capital. It was indicated in the announcement that possession of the amount of capital stated would not, of itself, entitle the persons concerned to receive assisted passages, but that careful investigation would be made into each case by the Commonwealth migration authorities in London with a view to determining whether applicants were likely to become successfully established in Australia.

Mr. Annesley Somerville

Can my right hon. Friend say whether there has been any recent revival of emigration to Australia?

Mr. MacDonald

I understand that a good many applicants have come forward to the Australian authorities in London, and that the whole question is now being actively considered there.

Brigadier-General Clifton Brown

Is my right hon. Friend aware that shiploads of Italian emigrants are now landing in Australia, and would he not suggest to Signor Mussolini to send them to his own newly acquired colonies instead?

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