HC Deb 23 November 1954 vol 533 cc104-5W
58. Mr. Fletcher-Cooke

asked the Minister of Labour whether he will make a statement about the free passage scheme to Australia for ex-Service men and women.

Mr. Watkinson

Yes. It has been decided with the concurrence of the Australian Government, that this scheme should be brought to a close on the 28th February, 1955. Assistance under the scheme will continue to be granted, in approved cases, to ex-Service men and women travelling by that date and to their dependants travelling with them or following them within two years. The scheme, which was instituted in 1946 as a measure of resettlement for ex-Service men and women after the war and was closed to fresh applications at the end of 1950, has served its purpose.