HC Deb 15 December 1955 vol 547 cc1379-80
35. Mr. Renton

asked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations how many people in the United Kingdom who have applied to emigrate to Australia and New Zealand are at present prevented from doing so owing to their not being nominated by people in Australia or New Zealand.

Mr. Dodds-Parker

I assume that my hon. and learned Friend is referring to British subjects seeking assisted passages and at present ineligible for Government nominations. I understand from the High Commissioner for Australia that there are about 50,000 such individuals who have applied to emigrate to Australia. The High Commissioner for New Zealand has no comparable figure for those seeking to go to New Zealand.

Mr. Renton

Does not that Answer show that there are plenty of people in this country who want to go to Australia but are prevented from doing so because the machinery at the other end needs attention; and will he consult the Churches and the patriotic societies to see if they can help to find nominations in Australia?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

The reply to the first part of that supplementary question is, "Yes, Sir." In reply to the second part, I am sure that the excellent suggestion of my hon. Friend will be noted by those concerned, and if I can do anything to help, I shall be pleased to do so.

Mr. G. Jeger

Does the hon. Gentleman agree that the system of nomination is an excellent one because it usually carries with it the guarantee that the immigrant will have housing accommodation when he gets there?

Mr. Dodds-Parker

I agree with the hon. Gentleman.