§ 52. Mr. Shepherdasked the Minister of Labour the Government policy in respect of emigration; and particularly whether he will give an assurance that there is no desire to see the vigorous and able-bodied leave the country, thus increasing the ratio of non-producers.
§ The Minister of Labour (Mr. Isaacs)The Government's general policy remains as stated in the White Paper (Cmd. 6658) issued in June, 1945. Our own manpower needs are sufficiently safeguarded, apart from present transport limitations, by the arrangements made with the Governments of Commonwealth countries to avoid the loss of an undue proportion of workers with qualifications specially needed in this country.
Mr. BaldwinIs the Minister aware that we old men do not want to see any steps taken to keep these young men in the country to earn our living; and that we would prefer to see them in the vast open spaces of the Empire?