§ 2. Mr. Lewisasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations if he will give particulars of the action taken by the Government to encourage emigration to the Commonwealth during the last years; and the figures for emigration to the Commonwealth during the Fast two years.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (Mr. John Foster)United Kingdom migration to the Commonwealth is promoted through the Empire Settlement Acts, which have recently been extended for another five years. Under these Acts the United Kingdom Government have concluded an Assisted Passage Agreement with Australia, as well as a large number of agreements with voluntary societies concerned with child migration. There is also the fullest possible co-operation with other Commonwealth Governments in other ways. During the period of two years to 30th June, 1952, 265,513 persons of Commonwealth citizenship migrated from this country to other Commonwealth countries.
§ Mr. LewisCan the Under-Secretary say to what extent any of these proposals of improvements have been initiated by the present Government and what new action the Government are taking to deal with this matter?
§ Mr. FosterNot without another Question.
§ Mr. Hector HughesAs the needs of emigration, immigration and the transfers of population vary throughout the Commonwealth, would the Minister consider inviting the various Commonwealth countries to a conference, to decide on a common policy?
§ Mr. FosterDifferent circumstances apply to different Commonwealth countries, and I doubt whether a conference of Commonwealth countries would be useful.
§ Mr. LewisHas the Minister looked at "Britain on the Spree"? If he refers to that document he will see, on page 11, that the Government intended to take drastic steps to deal with this problem. The Tory Government now having got the reins, it appears that they have done nothing. Is this another broken promise?
§ Mr. FosterEverything is conditional on finding something in the larder.