asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether he is aware of the decision come to by the State Government of New South Wales to discontinue assisting adult immigrant settlers; that it is anticipated that the other State Governments will take a similar course; and, if this is done, can he say whether it will be possible to carry through the arrangements made between the Imperial Government and the Commonwealth Government of Australia?

I have received no official intimation of the decision referred to, but it seems clear from the Press reports that the decision to discontinue adult migration does not apply to persons going out under the nomination system, which was described by the Oversea Settlement Committee Delegation (Cmd 2132) as the main channel of migration to Australia. Of the 6,351 assisted migrants to New South Wales in 1924, 4,680 were nominated settlers. My hon. Friend will observe from the Press telegram that no decision has been come to by the New South Wales Government as to their attitude towards the new agreement with the Commonwealth Government, and there is no reason for thinking that the attitude of that Government will prevent the conclusion of schemes under that agreement.

Will the right hon. Gentleman say whether, in the agreement between the Imperial Government and the Commonwealth Government of Australia, anything is said about nomination?

I am not certain, but it provides for every possible kind of scheme for the development of settlement in Australia.

Is the word "nomination" included?

I have pointed out that the nomination system is the chief system on which we are working.

That may be the case, but is it mentioned in these agreements?

I must ask for notice of that question.

Is it advisable to allow a form of question such as the second part of this question, anticipating what Governments may do who may not even have considered the question yet?

They have considered it.

The hon. Gentleman will notice that I did not enter into that anticipation.