§ 71. Mr. N. Nicolsonasked the Under-Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what new methods he is contemplating to give effect to the hopes expressed in Australia and New Zealand that a high proportion of emigrants to those two countries shall be of British stock.
§ Mr. AlportHer Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom already co-operate with Her Majesty's Governments in Australia and New Zealand in 31W facilitating emigration from this country to Australia and New Zealand. My hon. Friend will be aware of the assistance to emigration to Australia which is given through the United Kingdom contribution under the Australian Assisted Passage Agreement and by agreements with voluntary organisations concerned with child migration. My right hon. Friend the Prime Minister was able, while in Canberra, to sign a further agreement with the Australian Government on Social Security, which will enable emigrants from this country to Australia to qualify for Australian old age benefits and other social security benefits by virtue of their residence in this country.
Certain further suggestions made to my right hon. Friend while he was in Australia are at present being studied. As for New Zealand nearly 90 per cent. of the immigrants were, in 1956, of British stock.