A.—6a

64

ANN NX 11. Conference of Prime Ministers, 1921 : Section X or Report (Cmd. 1474/1921). X.— Empire Settlement and Migration. The question of Empire settlement and migration was considered by a special Committee under the chairmanship of the Secretary of State for the Colonies, and the following resolution was finally adopted by the Conference :— The Conference having satisfied itself that the proposals embodied in the report* of tho Conference on State-aided Empire Settlement are sound in principle, and that the several Dominions are prepared, subject to parliamentary sanction and to the necessary financial arrangements being made, to co-operate effectively with the United Kingdom in the development of schemes based on these proposals, but adapted to the particular circumstances anel conditions of each Dominion, approves the aforesaid report. The South African representatives wish to make it clear that the limited field for white labour in South Africa will preclude co-operation by the Union Government on the lines contemplated by the other Dominions. (2.) The Conference expresses the hope that the Government of the United Kingelom will, at the earliest possible moment, secure the necessary powers to enable; it to carry out its part in any schemes of co-operation which may subsequently be agreed on, preferably in the form, of an Act which will make clear that the policy of co-operation now adopted, is intended to be permanent. (3.) The Conference recommends to tho Governments of the several Dominions that they shoulel consider how far their existing logislatiem on tho subject of land-settlement, soldier-settlement, and immigration may require any modification or expansion in order to secure effective co-operation ; and should work out, for discussion with the Government of the United Kingdom, such proposals as may appear to them most practicable and best suited to their interests and circumstances.

ANNEX 111. Empire Settlement Act, 1922. Chapter 13. An Act to make Better Provision for Furthering British Settlement in His Majesty's Oversea Dominions. [May 31, 1922.] Be it enacted by the King's Most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Lords Spiritual and Temporal, and Commons, in this present Parliament assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows : — 1. (1.) It shall be lawful for the Secretary of State, in association with the Government of any part of His Majesty's Dominions, or with public authorities or public or private organizations either in the United Kingdom or in any part of such Dominions, to formulate and co-operate in carrying out agreed schemes for affording joint assistance to suitable persons in the United Kingdom who intend to settle in any part of His Majesty's oversea Dominions. (2.) An agreed scheme under this Act may be either—• (a.) A development or a land-settlement scheme ; or (b.) A scheme for facilitating settlement in or migration to any part of His Majestys' oversea Dominions by assistance with passages, initial allowances, training, or otherwise ; and shall make provision with respect to the contributions to be made, either by way of grant or by way of loan or otherwise, by the parties to the agreed scheme towards the expenses of the scheme. (3.) The Secretary of State shall have all such powers as may be necessary for carrying out his obligations under any scheme made in pursuance of this Act: Provided that — (a.) The Secretary of State shall not agree to any scheme without the consent of the Treasury, who shall be satisfied that the contributions of the Government, authority, or organization with whom the scheme is agreed towards the expenses of the scheme bear a proper relation to the contribution of the Secretary of State ; and (b.) The contribution of the Secretary of State shall not in any case exceed half the expenses of the scheme ; and (c.) The liability of the Secretary of State to make contributions under the scheme shall not extend, beyond a period of fifteen years after the passing of this Act. (4.) Any expenses of the Secretary of State under this Act shall be paid out of moneys provided by Parliament: Provided that the aggregate amount expended by the Secretary of State under any scheme or schemes under this Act shall not exceed £1,500,000 in the financial year current at the date of the passing of this Act, or £3,000,000 in any subsequent financial year, exclusive of the amount of any sums received by way of interest oil or repayment of advances previously made. 2. His Majesty may, by Order in Council, direct that this Act shall apply to any territory which is under His Majesty's protection, or in respect of which a mandate is being exercised by the Government of any part of His Majesty's Dominions as if that territory were a part of His Majesty's Dominions, and on the making of any such Order this Act shall, subject to the provisions of the Order, have effect accordingly. 3. This Act may be cited as " The Empire Settlement Act, 1922."

* Annex I,