§ 2. Mr. C. Hughesasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what assistance is now given to St. Helenians who desire to emigrate to this country.
§ Mr. J. AmeryA scheme is in operation for placing St. Helenian men between the ages of 20 and 30 in employment in the hotel and catering industry in this country.
Where necessary assistance is given towards the cost of passages.
§ Mr. HughesIs the Under-Secretary of State aware that planned and balanced emigration of St. Helenians to this country would do a great deal to improve matters there? Would he look into the entire position in greater detail in order to widen the range of opportunities available to St. Helenians in this country?
§ Mr. AmeryWe have been looking into the matter since November, 1958. Nine St. Helenian men have been found employment in hotels in this country, but there are very few applicants for the vacancies available.
§ Mr. GowerCould this matter be treated with a great deal of caution? Will my hon. Friend take account of the fact that when, for example, people from the island of Pitcairn were moved to a part of Australia, it was found that they did not easily adapt themselves to the different living conditions there and, indeed, were particularly prone to certain illnesses?
§ Mr. AmeryI will certainly note what my hon. Friend has said, but I understand that St. Helenians who have come over here have settled in very well.