§ 46. Mr. Osborneasked the Prime Minister, since the recent change in defence policy and our reliance upon new scientific weapons rather than mass-produced conventional weapons must lead to re-deployment and temporary unemployment in the armament industry, if he will take immediate steps to control all immigration into the United Kingdom, which in recent years has been stimulated by the artificial shortage of labour, and so prevent any possible recurrence of permanent unemployment.
§ The Prime MinisterWhile I cannot accept the implications of this Question, I would refer my hon. Friend to the answer given on 27th October by my right hon. and gallant Friend the Home Secretary. The immigration of aliens into the United Kingdom has long been controlled.
§ Mr. OsborneMay I ask the Prime Minister if he is aware that there is strong feeling over these fears, which are already felt in places like Coventry and Birmingham? If I send my right hon. Friend some evidence, will he be good enough to look at it and give it further consideration?
§ The Prime MinisterI am conscious of the evidence and I am conscious that this is a problem. There has, of course, been a considerable increase—as probably the House knows—in the migration of West Indians to this country and also from the Indian sub-continent, but I think at the same time the House will also bear in mind the traditions by which we have always hitherto been careful to observe the rights of British subjects. Whatever our feelings may be, the problem is not an easy one to solve.
§ Mr. J. GriffithsMay I ask the Prime Minister whether, before taking any such step as is contemplated in this Question, he will consult the Colonial and Commonwealth countries concerned because of repercussions in the Commonwealth?
§ The Prime MinisterThere is no question of any action. I think I made that clear in my Answer. This matter is incredibly involved. Among other things, the largest migration is from Eire.