HC Deb 23 November 1925 vol 188 cc959-60W
Mr. HORE-BELISHA

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether his attention has been called to the complaints made by settlers from this country in Western Australia under the group settlement scheme; whether any representative of the Colonial Office or the Mother Country visits the settlement and satisfies himself that the conditions correspond with the promises held out to the settlers; and, if no such visit is made, whether he will arrange for one to take place at regular intervals?

Mr. AMERY

Difficulties, which, naturally, give occasion for some complaints, are inherent in the work of developing and settling new countries, but I have no reason to think that the majority of the settlers are dissatisfied or are not making good progress. My representative in Australia, under the new Migration Agreement, is at present in Western Australia. He will, of course, visit the various settlements and keep in close touch with the progress of the settlers. I might add that my Noble Friend the Member for Southampton has himself recently been working as a settler on one of the groups, and would no doubt be willing to place his experience at the hon. Member's disposal.

Mr. T. WILLIAMS

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies the actual number of persons who have emigrated to Canada between 1st October, 1924, and 1st November, 1925, under various emigration schemes, and the total cost to Great Britain?

Mr. AMERY

The approximate number of emigrants assisted to proceed to Canada during the thirteen months in question was 10,800, and the approximate cost to British Government funds £80,000. This does not include charges for aftercare or settlement, particulars of which are not yet available.