HC Deb 27 April 1961 vol 639 cc596-7
3. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what recent discussions have taken place between Her Majesty's Government and other Commonwealth Governments, and what information he has received in the course of these discussions of other consultations between Commonwealth Governments, in respect of migration within the Commonwealth.

Mr. Braine

As regards migration from the West Indies, I have nothing to add to the statement made by my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister on 13th April. The only other recent discussions have been with the Governments of India and Pakistan. These were of a routine nature relating to the control of emigration from those countries. I am not aware of any recent consultations between other Commonwealth Governments on the subject of migration.

Mr. Sorensen

Does not the Minister realise that this is a rather unsatisfactory Answer in view of the very great need for some kind of co-ordinated and cooperative consultation among all members of the Commonwealth on this very vital matter? Can the hon. Gentleman say whether what has been done in this connection is what was promised some time ago?

Mr. Braine

As far as immigration into this country is concerned, which is what I think the hon. Gentleman may have in mind, the House will recall that my hon. and learned Friend the Joint Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department made it quite clear on 17th February that the Government have no intention of imposing control on the entry of British subjects into this country without prior consultation with the Commonwealth Governments concerned. But with regard to the general question, as to whether there should be full Commonwealth talks on the question of the free movement of British subjects throughout the Commonwealth, all I can say is that this will be borne in mind.

Mr. Fisher

Could my hon. Friend tell the House whether the Government are in favour, in principle, of what I might call cross-migration within the Commonwealth under which countries which need immigrants, such as Australia, New Zealand and Canada, might, perhaps, take them from countries like the West Indies, India, and Pakistan which need to emigrate some of their surplus manpower?

Mr. Braine

I think that it would be quite improper for me to comment on a question of that kind, because a matter which concerns the recipient countries concerns them primarily and the initiative in a matter of this kind must come from them.

Mr. Sorensen

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible moment.