§ 2.52 p.m.
§ VISCOUNT SWINTONMy Lords, I beg to ask the question of which I have given private notice—namely, whether the Government have any statement to make on assisted migration to New Zealand.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR DOMINION AFFAIRS (VISCOUNT ADDISON)My Lords, at the request of the New Zealand Government, negotiations have recently taken place on this subject. The original basis of negotiations was the conclusion of agreements similar to those made with Australia whereby the United Kingdom Government would provide free passages for former members of United Kingdom Forces and would share with the Dominion Government the cost of passages for other categories of migrants, less a proportion to be borne by the migrants themselves. In the course of the discussions, however, the New Zealand Government intimated that in present conditions they were willing to 122 find all Governmental contributions in respect of passages for both categories. They accordingly offered to meet the full cost of passages in the case of ex-Service migrants and the full cost, less £10 to be paid by the migrants themselves, in other cases. The United Kingdom Government gratefully accepted this generous offer.
The New Zealand Government have now announced their intention of opening schemes on the above basis. For the time being, the schemes will generally be limited to men and women between the ages of 20 and 35 who are either single or widowed and without dependent children, and who are willing to engage for a period of two years in certain selected occupations. Full particulars as to the schemes, including the date of their opening and the types of migrants desired, will be announced in due course by the New Zealand authorities. The House will, I am sure, be glad to know that these arrangements have been made, and will welcome the very liberal attitude which the New Zealand Government have adopted.
§ VISCOUNT SWINTONI am very much obliged to the noble Viscount, the Leader of the House, for giving us this information. And may I say—and I know (his view will be shared in. all quarters—how grateful we are to the New Zealand Government for this very generous offer?