HC Deb 24 March 1964 vol 692 cc219-20
2 and 3. Mr. C. Hughes

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies (1) how many emigrated from St. Helena in 1963;

(2) how many are now unemployed in St. Helena; and how many are on outdoor relief.

The Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations and for the Colonies (Mr. Duncan Sandys)

One hundred and five persons, including children, emigrated last year. Ninety-eight are at present unemployed, all of whom have been given outdoor relief work.

Mr. Hughes

Does the Secretary of State agree that many more St. Helenians would like to emigrate to this country if they were able to do so? If this were made possible, it would help to alleviate the heavy unemployment problem in St. Helena. Would the right hon. Gentleman consider giving additional financial assistance to enable more St. Helenians to emigrate if they want to do so?

Mr. Sandys

As I think the hon. Gentleman knows, there is a Government - sponsored emigration scheme for young men, under which jobs are found for them in Britain, and part of their fares is paid. For some time there has been no request for this assistance.

Mr. Hughes

Would the Secretary of State be good enough to look into this? Would he now consult the Government of St. Helena to see how many more would take advantage of this scheme if additional financial assistance were forthcoming?

Mr. Sandys

I will certainly look into that.