§ Mr. SHEPHERDasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs what qualifications, in addition to those of previous land experience, willingness to take up land work and training college courses, and physical fitness, are required of applicants for assisted emigration?
§ Mr. AMERYAll applicants for assisted passages are required to satisfy the Dominion authorities as to health and character. The question of further qualifications depends upon the nature of the opening available for the settler on arrival. The main openings in the Dominions are for men upon the land and for women in household work. In both cases, previous experience is desirable, but is not always insisted upon. Where settlers wish to go out under the nomination system, whereby they are guaranteed employment and accommodation by friends or relatives already settled overseas, the Dominion authorities verify the suitability of the settlement arrangements before approving the grant of assisted passages. In certain family schemes of land settlement and farm placement, settlers are required to be in possession on arrival overseas of a small sum of money to meet the preliminary expenses of settlement.