§ 13. Mr. Dempseyasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what assistance is given by British officers to British emigrants wishing to return from Australia; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Cledwyn HughesThe British High Commissioner in Australia has no general authority to repatriate destitute United Kingdom citizens at public expense. The social services in Australia, including unemployment and sickness payments, are comparable with those obtainable in the United Kingdom. In a small number of exceptional compassionate cases I have obtained Treasury approval to repatriate.
§ Mr. DempseyIs my hon. Friend aware that there are cases of Scots families actually being stranded in Australia due to the shortage of employment prospects, on the one hand, or lack of housing, on the other? Does he know that these people are now writing to Members of Parliament to guide and advise them on how soon they can be returned to the United Kingdom? Have we no officers, advisory or otherwise, who could assist these emigrants in this respect?
§ Mr. HughesI understand my hon. Friend's very proper concern in this matter. The Australian Federal and State authorities are invariably co-operative in helping us to investigate the difficulties of United Kingdom citizens when these are brought to our notice. United Kingdom citizens in Australia have the right of access to the British High Commissioner when they are in difficulties, and, as my hon. Friend knows, our High Commission has offices in all the State capitals, in Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide, Melbourne and Perth.