MIGRATION TO DOMINIONS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 78, 28 June 1943, Page 1

MIGRATION TO DOMINIONS

EMPIRE DISCUSSION FORECAST London, May 26 The British Government intended to examine migration with the Dominions when it was possible to advance definite suggestion*, said the Lord Privy Seal, Lord Cranborne, in the House of Lord* debate on migration. These talka would have to be held as soon as possible. “Imperial and overseas settlement and the interchange of populations between one part of the Empire and another are essential to the future happiness and prosperity, even the survival, of the British Empire,” said Lord Cranborne. •What the soldiers will want when they return, nobody knows. They may prefer to stay at home, or they may recognise that there are immense poenings in the Dominons. If they feel the spirit of adventure and want to try new openings, the Government will place no hindrances in their way, but will give every assistance. This must be considered in consultations with the Dominions.” TRAINING CENTRES Lord Barnby said that a method must be found whereby social security contributions, such as those under the Beveridge Plan, could be transferred to the Dominions when persons migrated, otherwise migration might not appeal. Plans for migration must be considered during the war, not only after it as part of Empire reconstruction. Centres should be opened immediately where children could be prepared for life in the Dominions. Lord Bledisloe said that when the New Zealand Defence Minister, Mr Jones, was visiting Britain, he said to a British Cabinet Minister: “We hope you are going to send us some useful migrants after the war.” The Minister replied: “I have grave doubts whether we shall be able to spare our own nationals after the war.” ‘ That goes to the whole root of the problem—whether you want to help overseas settlement or retain Britain’s largest possible proportion of male population of working age and physical capacity, ’ said Lord Bledisloe. Lord Mansfield said it was essential that the Dominions’ populations be increased as early as possible. .He urged the Government to open full and frank discussions with all ' the Dominions. Lord Cranborne warned against too much talk about migration as though it exclusively concerned Britain. Migration would not make progres# until there was an Empire-wide policy he said. Linking social security with migration was eminently desirable, but a transfer of contributions such as Lord Bamb.v suggested presented considerable difficulties because of wide differences between social security in Britain and the Dominions. The Government fully recognised the importance of formulating a comprehensive migration plan.