HC Deb 21 March 1922 vol 152 cc270-1W
Mr. WADDINGTON

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware that Mr. H. Gullett, Superintendent of Immigration in Australia, has resigned his office in consequence of the delay in the Commonwealth Government's adoption of a definite policy iii regard to immigration; that Mr. Hughes, the Commonwealth Premier, has recently declared that the delay in Australian policy is consequent upon the delay in this country; and will he, to avoid misunderstanding, introduce the Bill relating to overseas settlement at the earliest opportunity?

Mr. AMERY

I have seen Press reports of the matters mentioned in the first part of the question. As regards the introduction of a Bill, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given by the Leader of the House on the 7th instant.

Mr. HALLS

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Admiralty if he is aware that in the case of ex-Private J. A. Law, of Heywood, a grant of £12 15s. was made to pay his passage to Canada by the Overseas Settlement Office; that the same was cancelled because the man had to return to this country after only being able to obtain work for six months out of 15 months' residence over there; and will he inquire into this case?

Mr. AMERY

I have inquired into the case of ex-Private J. A. Law, and find that he proceeded to Canada with his parents at his own expense in May, 1920, and subsequently applied to the Overseas Settlement Office for a refund of his passage money under the Government Free Passage Scheme for Ex-Service Men. Although refunds are no part of the Government scheme, it was decided as an act of grace to grant Mr. Law's application as it was understood that he was in assured employment, and intended to settle permanently overseas. Before the refund could be made, however, Mr. Law returned to this country, and as he thereby failed to carry out the conditions of the Government scheme, the refund was cancelled. Mr. Law's father and mother are still in Canada, and he has been informed that if he wishes to return to the Dominion, he will be granted a free passage on obtaining the approval of the Canadian authorities.