HC Deb 27 April 1926 vol 194 cc1860-1W
Sir J. PENNEFATHER

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs how many of the 1,655 families accepted under the agreement with the Canadian Government for the settlement of 3,000 families have actually sailed; for how many of them arrangements have been made to sail this year; and whether any additional families can be accepted for sailing this year?

Mr. AMERY

1,657 families have been accepted up to date under the scheme for the settlement of 3,000 British families on the land in Canada. Of these, 457 sailed in 1925, and the remaining 1,200 will proceed during 1926. Of these, 658 have already sailed. No additional families can be accepted for sailing this year.

Sir J. PENNEFATHER

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs how many hostels far the reception of British migrant families are in operation in the Dominions, where they are situate, and how many each can accommodate; and whether the accommodation available in each ease is sufficient to prevent congestion?

Mr. AMERY

Families can only be accepted for assisted settlement overseas either under the nomination system—in which case the nominators guarantee a home and employment immediately on arrival—or under a definite land settlement scheme, where accommodation is provided on the farm or holding allotted to the settler. In these circumstances, hostel accommodation for families is required for only short periods at the ports of arrival or other principal centres overseas, and adequate facilities are available either in Government hostels attached to the immigration depots or in hostels maintained by voluntary organisations.