HC Deb 14 July 1960 vol 626 cc1585-6
23. Mr. N. Pannell

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in view of the estimated net inward movement of 14,800 immigrants from the West Indies for the five months ended 31st May, 1960, as compared with 3,500 in the corresponding period last year, and the apparent failure of all appeals to the West Indian Government to restrict this migration, he will consider further steps to deal with the problem.

Mr. R. A. Butler

This matter is one which is under constant consideration. For the time being, I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Louth (Mr. C. Osborne) on 7th July.

Mr. Pannell

Will my right hon. Friend give this matter more urgent consideration and take into account the increasing difficulties in regard to housing, employment and the care of children coming under local authorities as a result of mixed unions and in view of the fact, also, that many West Indians themselves are calling for the restriction of immigration by their own nationals?

Mr. Butler

I received this week an all-party deputation on this subject led by my hon. Friend. I must tell the House that the figures of immigration are going up considerably, particularly from the West Indies, especially Jamaica. That is why the matter is under constant consideration, particularly with the Governments involved, and that may be the best way of dealing with it.

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