§ 9. Mr. Hurdasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if agreement has now been reached with the Australian Government on the continuance of the Assisted Passages Scheme for families and individuals migrating to Australia.
§ Mr. Gordon-WalkerYes, Sir. The United Kingdom Government and the Australian Government have agreed that the Assisted Passage Agreement which expired on 30th March should be continued for a further period of six months on the understanding that inter-governmental discussions to settle financial arrangements and future policy will be held as soon as possible and in sufficient time to enable any new agreement to be completed before 30th September, 1951.
§ Mr. HurdWhen these further discussions take place will the Secretary of State bear in mind the undertaking given by the Prime Minister, in the House, that all of us are concerned to assist families and persons who want to settle in the Dominions, and that a long-term agreement, not only one for six months, is desirable as giving an assurance for the future?
§ Mr. Gordon-WalkerCertainly, Sir, I have several times said that in the House. I quite agree.