HC Deb 12 June 1952 vol 502 cc379-80
13. Mr. Osborne

asked the Minister of Labour whether, in view of the rising unemployment in the United Kingdom, he will take steps to facilitate emigration of suitable people to the Commonwealth; and to stop all further immigration of foreign workers into this country.

Sir W. Monckton

I do not think that any special steps are necessary. Facilities exist for emigration to the Commonwealth, towards which Her Majesty's Government contributes.

As regards the last part of the Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer I gave to his similar Question on 18th March.

Mr. Osborne

In view of the fact that we grow only about half the food needed to feed our people, and that we are going to find it more difficult to buy food abroad, would the Minister not agree that everything possible should be taken to encourage men to go to the Commonwealth who so desire?

Sir W. Monckton

So far as my Department is concerned, quite apart from the contribution towards assisted passages to Australia, we offer our services to those members of the Commonwealth who want such labour by recruitment publicity.

Mr. M. Stewart

Are we to understand from those answers that there are still people so misguided that they wish to leave this country even with the present Government in power?

Sir W. Monckton

Hard though it may be to believe it, it is pleasant to recollect that a great many people want to move about in the family of nations to which we belong.

Mr. Baldwin

In view of the importance of this matter, will my right hon. and learned Friend impress upon his right hon. Friend the Colonial Secretary the importance of setting up again the Overseas Settlement Board which was in operation up to 1938, and, when he does set it up, see that it is composed of people who will deal with planned migration?

Miss Herbison

Is the Minister aware that if this Government is much longer in power we shall have the same forced emigration as we bad between the wars, and that those who will emigrate will certainly not be the friends of the hon. Member who put down the Question?