§ Mr. Markhamasked the Secretary of State for Dominion Affairs whether he has decided to institute an independent inquiry into the activities of the 1820 Memorial Settlers' Association; and whether he is aware that a new issue of
— Portsmouth. Devonport. Chatham. Sheerness. Established. Hired. Established. Hired. Established. Hired. Established. Hired. 1935 … 3,192 10,307 2,559 9,034 2,052 6,608 740 1,381 1937 … 3,016 11,414 2,443 9,698 1,933 7,923 698 1,422 1937 … 2,961 13,478 2,311 11,174 1,820 8,352 676 1,588 I would add, in explanation of the numbers of established workmen shown in the table, that in consequence of arrangements which became necessary during the War an exceptionally high ratio of established numbers to total numbers arose in the early post-war years. Since then the established numbers have
814Wliterature by that association contains phrases which might mislead intending settlers?
Mr. M. MacDonaldAs I stated in my reply to the hon. Member of 12th February I have addressed certain inquiries to the 1820 Memorial Settlers' Association and the United Kingdom High Commissioner in the Union of South Africa. Some time must necessarily elapse before the replies to these inquiries are complete, and I cannot express any opinion until they have been received and considered. The reply to the last part of the question is in the negative, but if the hon. Member will indicate the phrases to which he takes exception I will consider them in consultation with the association.