HC Deb 28 March 1927 vol 204 cc881-2W
Sir J. MARRIOTT

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he is aware that arrangements recently concluded with the Government of Canada provide for the concession of reduced passage rates to women willing and well qualified to take up domestic service in Canada, but without experience; that reduced passage rates have recently been refused to such women, though recommended by responsible authorities in this country; and if so, whether he would be prepared to approach the Canadian Government with a view to such a modification of Regulations as would encourage the migration of women so recommended?

Mr. AMERY

The Canadian Assisted Passage Agreement contains provision for the grant of assisted passages to women proceeding to Canada to engage in household work, irrespective of experience. There is, however, only a limited demand in Canada for inexperienced household workers, and in practice assisted passages are only granted to inexperienced women for whom suitable openings are guaranteed. The Canadian authorities are being consulted in regard to certain cases in which passages appear to have been refused to inexperienced women who were recommended as suitable, but my hon. Friend will, of course, understand that the final decision must rest with the Canadian authorities.

Colonel DAY

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs the number of British emigrants, men, women and children, that have left these shores for Canada under the Government subsidy scheme for the three months ending to the last convenient date, the names of the ports from which these emigrants have been embarked, and the number from each port?

Mr. AMERY

The total number of assisted migrants to Canada during the three months ending 28th February, 1927, was as follows:

Men 144
Women 412
Children 270
826

These migrants sailed from either Liverpool, Glasgow, Southampton, Belfast or London, but the numbers proceeding from each port are not tabulated.