§ 13. Mr. Frank Byersasked the Minister of Labour whether he is aware that a number of builders from the United Kingdom are being encouraged to emigrate to Australia; what numbers are involved; and whether due consideration has been given to the building requirements of this country.
§ Mr. IsaacsYes, Sir. Over the next six months free passage to Australia is to be given to 600 ex-Servicemen with experience in building or civil engineering. The advantages of this arrangement in assisting migration within the British Commonwealth, considerably outweigh the comparatively small loss to the building industry of this country.
§ Mr. ByersIn view of that decision, will the Minister take up with his colleagues in the Cabinet the question of relaxing our own barbarous immigration restrictions, to allow foreign building operatives to come here to help us?
§ Mr. IsaacsIf the hon. Member will put down a Question on that point, I will look at it.