U.K. Emigration Arouses Concern

Press, Volume CII, Issue 30064, 23 February 1963, Page 11

U.K. Emigration Arouses Concern

(NZ.P. A.-Reuter—Copyright) LONDON, February 22. The “Daily Telegraph” today commented on the “startling” number of Britons who wanted to live and work in Australia and in other countries.

The newspaper said: “Among the findings of a Gallup poll recently taken for the ‘Daily Telegraph' was the startling one that 45 per cent of young people would like to emigrate if they were free to do so.

“That very many are in fiact going is confirmed by the migration office* here (in London) of the white Commonwealth countries, notably Australia.

“Yesterday Mr Menzies announced a record number of British applicants for assisted passages, and the total for tbs year that end* next June is likely to be about 66,000,” the “Daily Telegraph” (aid. “In a leaser degree, other Commonwealth countries—and even ex-Commonwealth

South Africa—are eharing the boom.

“It is easy to appreciate the gratification of the receiving

government*. Not to share it would be to deny the kinship which the Queen's Antipodean tour symbolises.

"Between ourselves and Australia, in particular, this fellowship might ultimately begin to wither if the immigrant* which she must have were to be drawn preponderantly from countries other than Britain. “Nevertheless there are genuine misgiving*. May not migration deprive us of our own most valuable citizen*? This sort of concern was pinpointed yesterday in a Royal Society report about the numbers of highly-qualified scientist* who are leaving Britain, especially for the United State*. What then ean, or should be done to influence emigrstion from this country?

“Direct intervention can be excluded as an intolerable curb on personal liberty. Nor would there be any point in trying to discourage or restrict facilities for emigration to the Commonwealth. “Those whom we most wanted to keep would be the most determined and able to overcome such obstacles,” it said.

“Emigration is influenced on the one hand by opportunities for a better life and livelihood seen beckoning from overseas and on ths other hand by limitations and drawbacks experienced—or feared—in Britain.

“Only the Utter have we power to change. And if it is desired to keep certain skill* in this country, that can be done only by affording those who possess them greater scope and reward than they expect elsewliers," the “Daily Telegraph” aaid.