§ Mr. Markhamasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has considered the letter from Mr. W. S. McCann, of Bristol, relating to the 1820 Memorial Settlers' Association of South Africa; and whether he will have an impartial inquiry into the affairs of this association?
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Mr. M. MacDonaldI have received representations from Mr. McCann arising out of the settlement of his son under the auspices of the 1820 Memorial Settlers in the Union of South Africa, and, having regard to the fact that the Association is in receipt of financial assistance from the Government under the Empire Settlement Act, I have asked the Association for their observations. I am also consulting the United Kingdom High Commissioner in the Union of South Africa on certain aspects of the matter. Pending the result of these inquiries, I can express no opinion upon Mr. McCann's representations, but I think it right to say that the Oversea Settlement Department has co-operated with the Association for over 10 years and that no question as to the efficiency and value of the work of the Association has arisen until now.