§ 63. Colonel J. R. H. Hutchisonasked the Under-Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether the qutoa of 30,000 immigrants recently announced by New South Wales includes any special categories of immigrants from this country and if it includes or excludes Poles.
§ Mr. BottomleyI have seen the brief report which recently appeared in the Press but have no further information with regard to it. The matter is one for the Australian authorities, but I understand that they are not as present in a position to indicate what categories or classes of persons may eventually be required for settlement.
§ Colonel HutchisonSurely this is a case not only for the Australian authorities but for this country? In view of the intense interest in this question, and the unfortunate anxiety of many of the better elements to take advantage of it, will the hon. Gentleman go into this question more carefully to discover whether it is, in fact, a mare's nest, or if it is true? If it is true, will he make known all the details of how immigrants from this country can take advantage of it?
§ Mr. BottomleyThis, after all, is the responsibility of the Australian Government.
§ Earl WintertonWill the hon. Gentleman, in view of the great interest in emigration at the present time, and the great anxiety of people to leave this country— for some reason we do not know—which anxiety is greater than at any time in our history, arrange that when there is an officially issued statement by any Dominion Government, a copy shall be placed in the Library?
§ Mr. BottomleyI am not aware of this demand for early emigration.
§ Viscount HinchingbrookeWill the hon. Gentleman make a simple inquiry of the Australian Government whether this report is true or not?
§ Mr. BottomleyYes, Sir, that matter can be looked into.