HC Deb 13 February 1958 vol 582 c566
50. Mr. J. Johnson

asked the President of the Board of Trade why no statistics of migration by air are kept.

Sir D. Eccles

We recognise there is a gap here in our statistics, and discussions with other Departments are continuing.

Mr. Johnson

Is the Minister aware that I asked this Question twelve months ago and received a similar answer? Why are we not getting on with this? Is it not a fact that about 6,000 Jamaicans come in by air and that Irishmen also do so, and that the statistics which are given to us officially are quite "phoney", in view of the fact that they give figures only in respect of those who come in or leave by boat?

Sir D. Eccles

I appreciate the hon. Member's point, but the formalities required at airports will add both to the time and the cost, and it is not easy to find a way of doing this which will be convenient to passengers.

Mr. Johnson

Is it not a fact that other countries have statistics in respect of emigration or immigration by air? Why cannot we have them?