asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations whether he is aware that Mr. Holt, the Australian Minister for Immigration, said officially, on 29th January, that Australia hopes to receive 150,000 emigrants every year for the next few years, and that any smaller number would reduce development to stagnation level; what conversations have taken place with Australia about this matter; and what agreements have been reached in order that all those who wish to emigrate from the United Kingdom will be given every possible help and encouragement.

I have seen reports of this statement but there have been no conversations with Australia about it. As my hon. and gallant Friend is aware, assisted migration to Australia is the subject of an agreement between the two Governments.