HC Deb 14 May 1924 vol 173 cc1401-2W
Mr. HARMSWORTH

asked the Parliamentary Secretary to the Overseas Trade Deparment what steps, if any, are being taken to utilise the British Empire Exhibition as an instrument for organised encouragement of persons, whether unemployed or not, to emigrate, if found suitable, as settlers in portions of the Empire overseas in need of population?

Mr. LUNN

In the Oversea Settlement Gallery of the British Government Pavilion there is a display of models, etc., illustrating Empire settlement and migration, and the Gallery is decorated with a frieze showing pictorially the present sources of supply of our principal foodstuffs and raw materials. Special literature dealing with oversea settlement has been prepared for distribution to enquirers, and interviewers with experience of the oversea Dominions are available for the purpose of giving information and advice to enquirers. There is, in addition to the gallery, a kiosk in the Exhibition grounds, where literature is obtainable, and where enquirers can be interviewed. The Oversea Settlement Office has also arranged for a discussion on Empire Settlement and Migration, to be held at the Exhibition on Thursday, 15th May, at which a large number of persons interested in the subject, including many prominent visitors from the Dominions, will be present. I need hardly remind the hon. Member that in the various Dominion pavilions are to be found many beautiful displays which portray in an excellent manner the possibilities and advantages of settlement overseas.