§ 28. Brigadier Raynerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many stowaways from the Colonies have arrived in this country during the past twelve months; how much has been spent on their behalf by the Welfare Section of his Department; and how much subsequently recovered from the recipients.
Mr. Creech JonesI am unable to give the information required on the first part of the Question which should be addressed to my right hon. colleague the Home Secretary. Financial assistance to destitute stowaways is provided under Assistance Board machinery which does not differentiate between stowaways and other destitute Colonials. Such assistance is not recoverable but every effort is made to bring these people into employment.
§ Brigadier RaynerWould the right hon. Gentleman say why it is necessary to spend so much public money on individuals who are unwilling to work hard enough in the Colonies to earn their own living?