Sir H. SAMUELasked the President of the Board of Trade what was the total net emigration of British subjects from Great Britain during the 10 years preceding the War, and during the last 10 years for which figures are available?
§ Mr. W. R. SMITHThe number of British subjects who were recorded as leaving permanent residence in Great Britain (England, Wales and Scotland) to take up permanent residence in non-European countries during the 10 years 1920 to 1929 exceeded the number who were recorded as leaving permanent residence in such countries to take up permanent residence in Great Britain by 1,049,465. Similar information in respect of the 10 years preceding the War is not available, as particulars of migrants (i.e., persons changing their permanent residence), as distinct from persons travelling for business, or for pleasure, were not recorded in the passenger returns prior to 1st April, 1912. The only measure available of the net emigration to non-European countries in the pre-War and post-War periods is that afforded by the balances outward of British subjects from the British Isles as a whole (i.e., excess of outward over inward passengers). This excess outward to non-European countries amounted to 1,932,831 in the pre-War decennium and to 1,260,358 in the post-War decennium.