§ Mr. McENTEEasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been directed to the conflicting reports received from Australia in connection with immigration schemes; and whether he has received any reports 725W to the effect that trades and labour councils throughout Australia have issued protests against these schemes on the ground that there is already unemployment in that country?
Mr. ORMSBY-GOIREI am aware of the criticism of certain trades and labour councils in Australia on immigration schemes, but I believe this criticism is based on a complete misapprehension as to the scope and policy of the Empire Settlement Act. Under that Act it is not proposed to assist industrial workers to proceed overseas in search of industrial employment in towns, but is directed to the settlement of suitable persons on undeveloped land. All such schemes are undertaken on the recommendation of, and after full consultation with, the responsible Governments of the Dominions concerned.