HC Deb 13 November 1947 vol 444 cc517-8
1. Mr. Butcher

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he can now make a further statement in connection with emigration to Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa.

The Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (Mr. Philip Noel-Baker)

There are no new developments to report in the general policy of His Majesty's Government. That is, they desire, within the limits of the needs of this country, to help to meet the demands of the other countries of the Commonwealth for migrants from here. At the present time, as the hon. Member will be aware, the number of migrants is strictly limited by the shipping accommodation available.

Mr. Butcher

Could the right hon. Gentleman indicate what steps are being taken by His Majesty's Government, in consultation with the Governments of the Dominions, to overcome this shipping difficulty?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Of course, there are many other urgent demands on shipping, but we are doing what we can, and some of the Commonwealth Governments are endeavouring to make facilities available.

Major Legge-Bourke

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the Ministry of Defence and the Economic Advisory Council for the Colonies have been brought into these consultations?

Mr. Noel-Baker

Yes, Sir, I think that is so.

Mr. Ronald Chamberlain

Can my right hon. Friend assure us that in these negotiations the question of the availability of housing accommodation has been gone into as, in some parts of the world, there are very grave difficulties in regard to housing?

Mr. Noel-Baker

There are, of course, housing difficulties in some of the countries in the Commonwealth, as in this country, but the people concerned are always made aware of it before they go.