§ Sir N. GRATTAN-DOYLEasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what relation the expenditure on assisted migration during 1928 bears to the maximum expenditure authorised by Parliament for the purpose; and what relation the actual number of assisted migrants during 1928 bears to the maximum number which could have been assisted?
§ Mr. AMERYThe amount voted by Parliament under the Empire Settlement Act for the 12 months to 31st March, 1929, was £1,298,500. The actual expenditure was £1,126,150. Under the terms of the Act, the aggregate expenditure in any one financial year may not exceed a statutory maximum of £3,000,000. The total number of persons assisted under the Act during the 12 months to 31st March, 1929, was 41,633. It is, I fear, impossible to answer the hypothetical inquiry contained in the second part of the question; but my hon. Friend will readily recognise that the numbers assisted must depend upon the number of applicants in this country and upon the numbers for whom openings are available overseas and to whom the Dominion authorities are prepared to approve the grant of assistance.
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