§ 55. Mr. Evelyn Kingasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what financial contributions from public funds have been made available during the last 12 months towards paying the fares of British subjects migrating to Australia and the West Indies, respectively.
§ Mr. Anthony RoyleHer Majesty's Government contribute £150,000 annually towards the total annual cost (approximately £8 million) of the Australian Assisted Migration Scheme. This contribution is made under the terms of the United Kingdom/Australia Assisted Passage Agreement concluded under the powers vested in my right hon. Friend by the Commonwealth Settlement Acts, 1922–1967.
The Supplementary Benefits Commission of the Department of Health and Social Security assisted 75 individuals and their families to return to the Caribbean countries (69 of whom went to the West Indies) during the 12 months ending 31st December, 1970. The cost of this could not be calculated without disproportionate effort.