§ 1. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations to what extent it is the Government's policy to seek to relate the future flow of Commonwealth migration to the increases in the population of the United Kingdom forecast by the Registrar-General; and what consultations have been held with other Commonwealth Governments with the aim of a better distribution throughout the Commonwealth of British population of all ages and occupations.
§ Mr. TilneyNo. Emigration from this country is a voluntary movement. It must be left to individuals to decide whether, in all the circumstances, they wish to move. Consultations with other Commonwealth Governments take place as the opportunity arises. Thus my right hon. Friend was glad to meet Mr. Downer, the Australian Minister for Immigration, when he visited this country last summer.
§ 2. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what specific proposals for schemes of emigration from the United Kingdom to other Commonwealth countries he has received from the Overseas Migration Board or elsewhere during the last year; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. TilneyThe Australian Government proposed a renewal of the Assisted Passage Agreement with this country, and this was signed in London on 28th May last. New agreements covering child migration schemes were negotiated with seven voluntary societies in this country and these came into force on 1st June. If my hon. Friend will study the terms of reference of the Oversea Migration Board, he will see that it is not the Board's task to propose emigration schemes.