Returning Emigrants The cold facts about Empire migration have been
stated once again by the Secretary for the Dominions in an effective reply for the Government in the debate initiated by Sir A. Shirley Benn. Mr. Thomas recalled that in 1928 the number of people who left these shores for Canada was 75,865—a remarkable total all things considered. Within a few years the stream had not only virtually ceased but was flowing the other way. From Canada last year 10,244 people returned to Britain. In 1923 British emigrants to Australia numbered 31,500 ; last year 17,288 returned. To New Zealand 7,168 went in 1923, last year 1,357 came back. Mr. Thomas agreed with those. speakers who had 'emphasized the close relationship between industrial distress and migration, but he declared with emphasis that whatever efforts the Government might make in Empire migration they could not be part of a national unemployment policy, and unless the Dominions were prosperous they would not take any of our 'people. It is no use basing arguments on past conditions that are never likely • to recur. There is no problem that touches more vitally the feeling between Britain and the Dominions, and it is to be regretted that both in and out of Parliament speeches continua to be made that never come near realities.
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