§ 45. Mr. Hurdasked the Prime Minister it further discussions with the Australian Government have resulted in agreement on the assistance to be given to British families and individuals migrating to Australia; and if similar arrangements are being made with New Zealand, Canada and South Africa.
§ The Prime MinisterDiscussions with the Australian Government on the question of the extension of the Assisted Passage Agreement have not yet been completed. No proposals for entering into similar arrangements have been received from the other Governments mentioned.
§ Mr. HurdWill the Prime Minister assure the House that this delay will not interfere with the flow of families and individuals who want to go to Australia after March when the present agreement expires. Will he consider the desirability of entering into discussions with the other Dominions, to ensure that people who want to go to them can get assistance?
§ The Prime MinisterWe shall discuss this matter with Mr. Holt, the Australian Minister of Immigration, who will be visiting this country in March. Towards the close of the war, we discussed the 1929 matter with other Commonwealth Governments, but the only one prepared to participate in a joint scheme at that time was the Australian Government. We do, of course, keep a close watch on all these things.