§ Dr. David Kerrasked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Affairs what representations he has made to the High Commissioner for Australia, following complaints passed to him from emigrating Britons concerning the standard of certain hostel accommodation awaiting them on arrival in Australia.
§ Mr. George ThomasThe standard of hostel accommodation for emigrating Britons arriving in Australia is of course a matter for the Australian authorities but following the receipt of letters of complaint, our High Commission in Canberra did request a discussion about it. We 283W were informed that plans to construct new hostels in Victoria and New South Wales had been under consideration for some time, and the Australian Minister for Immigration has since announced that new temporary housing and better hostels are to be made available in the near future.