HC Deb 22 January 1953 vol 510 cc407-8
47. Mr. Langford-Holt

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what were the compelling reasons which have caused the reduction in the United Kingdom's contribution towards assisted passages of emigrants to Australia from £500,000 to £150,000.

The Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (Mr. John Foster)

The reasons for this reduction were the financial situation and the imperative need for economy in Government expenditure.

Mr. Langford-Holt

Would my hon. and learned Friend say why this economy was not apparent at the time when the Measure in connection with this matter was before the House?

Mr. Foster

It was a matter of investigating the amount that was to be spent, and of considering the whole economic policy.

48. Mr. Langford-Holt

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations the total number of migrants who have had assisted passages from the United Kingdom to all parts of the Commonwealth.

Mr. Foster

In the post-war period 175,261 persons have sailed for Australia under the free and assisted passage schemes. Contributions from United Kingdom funds have also been made towards passages for some 300 child migrants to Canada and Southern Rhodesia.

49. Mr. Langford-Holt

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations the names of the voluntary societies with whom Her Majesty's Government have entered into assisted passage agreements.

Mr. Foster

I will circulate in the OFFICIAL REPORT the names of the voluntary societies with whom agreements have been concluded under the Empire Settlement Acts.

Only in the case of the Rhodesia Fairbridge Memorial College does the agreement provide for assisted passages. All the other societies are concerned with the emigration of children to Australia, and in their cases passages are provided under the Assisted Passage Agreement with the Australian Government.

Following are the names:

Church of England Advisory Council of Empire Settlement.

Church of Scotland Committee on Social Service.

Dr. Barnardo's Homes.

The Fairbridge Society.

Federal Catholic Immigration Committee of Australia.

National Children's Home and Orphanage.

Northcote Children's Emigration Fund for Australia.

Rhodesia Fairbridge Memorial College.

Salvation Army.

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