Mr. DOYLEasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many ex-service men with their families have been assisted with monetary grants and the offer of land have gone to Canada, to Australia, and New Zealand, and to other parts of the British Empire during the last six months of 1921; and what steps have been taken to call attention to the great possibilities offered to prospective emigrants in South and West Africa?
§ Mr. AMERYThe number of ex-service men (including a few ex-service women) assisted with monetary grants in the shape of free passages during the last six months of 1921 is 5,958, or, including their families, 11,158. Of these 5,958, 882 proceeded to Canada, 3,427 to Australia, 859 to New Zealand, and 790 to other destinations. Most of these persons proceeded overseas with a view to work on the land, but comparatively few had the experience or the capital to enable them to settle upon land of their own on arrival. Full particulars as to opportunities in the Union of South Africa are obtainable through the Oversea Settlement Office, the Office of the High Commissioner for the Union, and the 1820 Memorial Settlers' Association; but there are few openings in the Union at the present time except for persons possessing capital. There are no openings in West Africa for settlement in the ordinary sense.