§ 43. Mr. Osborneasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he is aware that as the Italian liner "Ascaria" arrived at Southampton today with 800 Jamaicans seeking work in England, the liner "Fairsea" was leaving Southampton with 1,470 British emigrants seeking work in Australia; and, since such an exchange of population must be bad for the United Kingdom, if he will consult with the Australian Government to see under what conditions the Jamaicans can emigrate to Australia and our own people be encouraged to stay at home.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI cannot accept the implications of my hon. Friend's Question. I do not think that any useful purpose would be served by consulting the Australian Government about the possibility of Jamaican emigration there.
§ Mr. OsborneMay I ask my right hon. Friend two questions: firstly, does not he think that the Jamaicans would be happier in the warmer climate of Queensland than in the cold climate of this country? Secondly, does not he agree that unless there is some control over immigration into this country, we shall build up such a problem that our children will curse us for failing to deal with it?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydI hesitate to make comments about the immigration policy of Australia. That is a matter for them 1203 as a Commonwealth country. Regarding the general issue, I do not think it would be wise to deal with the lives and movements of British people by question and answer in the House of Commons.