§ 40. Mr. Iremongerasked the Prime Minister what consultation with the Commonwealth Prime Ministers took place at the recent conference of Commonwealth Prime Ministers and during his recent visit to the West Indies on the control of immigration into the United Kingdom.
§ The Prime Minister (Mr. Harold Macmillan)I would not wish, in general, to add to the agreed communiqués issued after meetings of Commonwealth Prime Ministers. But the Government of the West Indies were informed that the control of immigration would not be discussed at the last Conference.
As regards my talks in the West Indies, I would refer my hon. Friend to the Answers which I gave to my hon. Friend the Member for Louth (Mr. C. Osborne) and the hon. Member for Eton and Slough (Mr. Brockway) on 18th April.
§ Mr. LiptonIs it not clear that while the Government are dithering on this issue more and more people will want to come to this country before the vague threat of a ban on immigration is finally imposed? Ought not the Government to make a statement on their policy in the matter without delay?
§ The Prime MinisterNo, Sir. I think that it would be a mistake to settle an issue of this kind without very grave consideration.