§ 4 Sir W. Smithersasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if his attention has been called to the increasing number of immigrants into this country, especially the group of 720 Jamaicans who are on their way; and, in view of the country's present difficulties, if he will consider putting some restrictions on the entry of such large numbers.
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeI am aware that a considerable number of British subjects from the Colonies have been immigrating into this country recently. There is no power to prevent any British subject taking up residence here.
§ Sir W. SmithersIs it the policy of Her Majesty's Government to facilitate the export of large unemployment to Britain, and do these immigrants get the benefits of the services of the Welfare State at the expense of the British taxpayer?
§ Mr. Anthony GreenwoodWill the right hon. and learned Gentleman bear in mind that the people in this country, with the exception of a very small minority, would deprecate strongly any iniquitous discrimination of the kind that the hon. Gentleman opposite wants?
§ Captain PilkingtonIs it possible for the Home Secretary to say whether the number of immigrants is increasing, as the Question suggests?
§ Sir D. Maxwell FyfeIt is difficult to get exact figures because there is no discrimination against any British subjects. There is no power to question British subjects entering the United Kingdom as to what they intend to do and how long they intend to remain. However, I have had information from the West Indies which suggests that about 2,000 people left there in the first four months of this year for the purpose of seeking employment in the United Kingdom. I think it would be safe to conclude from this that the number is increasing.