HC Deb 05 March 1923 vol 161 cc60-1W
Sir A. S. BENN

asked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies the number of emigrants from this country to Australia for the calendar year 1913 and the calendar year 1922?

Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKS:

I have been asked to reply. The numbers of British emigrants that left the United Kingdom for Australia during the years 1913 and 1922were 56,779 and 39,099 respectively.

Mr. WILLIAM JENKINS

asked the Prime Minister whether he is aware that ex-service men emigrating to Australia under the Government-assisted passage scheme are receiving inadequate accommodation on board ship and upon arrival have no security of employment, and when they do secure employment they have to work at insufficient wages; and whether he will appoint a Committee of Inquiry to investigate tire whole matter?

Mr. ORMSBY-GORE:

I cannot admit the truth of the general charge made in this question, but if the hon. Member has any particular cases in mind I shall be glad to have them investigated. On the invitation of the Australian Government an official delegation from this country is proceeding to Australia, shortly, and among its functions will he the duty of endeavouring, in co-operation with the Australian authorities, to ensure the best possible arrangement being made for would-be settlers from this country. The House may rest assured that the Common- wealth and State Governments fully appreciate the importance of these matters.

Lieut.-Colonel CROFT

asked the President of the Board of Trade what was the number of migrants leaving Great Britain for Australia, Canada, South Africa, and New Zealand, respectively, in

Country of Future Permanent Residence. 1920. 1921. 1922.*
18 years of age and upwards. 12–17 years of age. Under 12 years of age. Total. † 18 years of age and upwards. 12–17 years of age. Under 12 years of age. Total. † Total.
British North America 84,674 7,042 21,388 115,491 47,852 4,538 11,882 64,513 42,606
Australia 19,160 1,898 5,190 27,657 19,203 1,852 5,307 26,436 37,773
New Zealand 9,663 1,004 2,577 14,082 7,968 720 1,932 10,628 11,651
British South Africa 11,380 839 2,072 14,583 9,590 751 2,021 12,378 8,396
*The numbers of emigrants in the several age groups are not yet available for the year 1922.
†Inclusive of persons of 12 years of age and over, whose ages were not specified.