§ 32. Mr. J. Johnsonasked the Undersecretary of State for Commonwealth Relations how many British migrants went to Australia in 1952; what figures have been furnished him of the number to be admitted in 1953; and what is the amount of subsidy being given for this purpose by Her Majesty's Government in 1953.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations (Mr. John Foster)Fifty-one thousand nine hundred Commonwealth citizens intending residence for a year or more in Australia travelled direct by sea from the United Kingdom in 1952. The Australian Government have estimated that 40,000 full fare paying and assisted British migrants will reach Australia during 1953. Contributions from United Kingdom funds towards the free and assisted passage schemes for Australia are expected to amount to approximately £195,000 in the financial year 1953–54.
§ Mr. JohnsonIs it not a fact that the Government cut by 70 per cent. the aid to the assisted passage scheme—that they slashed from just under £500,000 to £195,000 the aid given by Her Majesty's Government; and does the hon. and learned Gentleman think that that is any help at all to the development scheme of the Empire which the party opposite talk so much about?
§ Mr. FosterThe economies made in the assisted passage scheme have not led to a reduction in the number of migrants assisted.