§ Viscount SANDONasked the Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies the terms of reference of the Commission 1963W being sent out to Australia by the Overseas Settlement Department if it will visit each State, and when it is expected to return?
§ Mr. ORMSBY-GOREThe Delegation is visiting Australia at the invitation of the Commonwealth Government to examine the working of the schemes of settlement already in force, or in contemplation, and the arrangements which have been made for the reception and absorption of the settlers. They will also consider what lines of development afford the best hope of progress, having regard1964W to the different classes of settlers and their general welfare and prospects in the future. The Delegation will confer with the Australian authorities as to the best means of carrying out the common objects in view, and will endeavour to collect as full and authoritative information as possible on all present and future aspects of the settlement problem. The itinerary of the Delegation will be settled in consultation with the Australian authorities after arrival in Australia. At present I am unable to state definitely when they may be expected to return.