HC Deb 26 March 1928 vol 215 c819W
Sir R. THOMAS

asked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether his attention has been directed to a proposal made recently in the Canadian Legislature that the Imperial, Federal, Alberta. and British Columbia Governments should co-operate in a great scheme of settlement in the Peace River country, and that the British Government should allocate a sum from its unemployment fund as bonuses to farmers undertaking the development of this region; and whether, in the interests both of Imperial development and of the employment question, he will, if approached by the Canadian Government, be prepared to co-operate in the manner suggested?

Mr. AMERY

Yes, Sir. I have seen a report of the recent debate in the Canadian House of Commons on the subject. His Majestys Government in Great Britain would, of course, be glad to consider any scheme for the settlement of suitable persons from this country in the Peace River district under the terms of the Empire Settlement Act, if put forward by the Canadian authorities. I should add, however, that the unemployment fund is not available for oversea settlement purposes.