§ 43. Mrs. Castleasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what restrictions are placed on the freedom of movement of citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies within their area of citizenship.
§ Mr. ProfumoCitizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies, in possession of the necessary travel documents, may enter the United Kingdom without restriction. Entry into the various Colonial territories is regulated by legislation, which usually places restrictions on persons who do not belong to the territory concerned. This legislation varies from territory to territory.
§ Mrs. CastleIs not it a fact that the citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies enjoy common citizenship, and does not it follow from that automatically that they have full freedom of movement within this area of common citizenship? Will the hon. Gentleman look at this matter and see whether restrictions placed by colonial Governments on freedom of movement may be contrary to the Nationality Act and therefore illegal, just as it would be equally absurd to stop me, for instance, from going to Ebbw Vale?
§ Mr. ProfumoFortunately, these sorts of travel are not under the jurisdiction of my right hon. Friend, but I do not think that there is anything wrong with the present regulations, which my right hon. Friend believes are in the general interest of the communities concerned.