§ 50. Mr. C. Royleasked the Lord Privy Seal what is the United Kingdom immigration quota into the United States of America; and what percentage has been taken up for the years 1960 and 1961 to the latest convenient date.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Peter Thomas)The United Kingdom immigration quota, as established by the McCarran-Walter Act of 1952, is 65,361. In the American fiscal year to the 30th of June, 1960, 43 per cent. of the quota was taken up and it is provisionally estimated that between 35 and 40 per cent. was used in the year ending 30th June last.
§ 51. Mr. C. Royleasked the Lord Privy Seal if West Indians, resident in the United Kingdom, qualify for entry into the United States of America under the immigration quota from this country.
§ Mr. P. ThomasSince the United States quota system is based on national origins, only people of West Indian origin who were born in the United Kingdom would qualify for entry under the immigration quota for this country.
§ Mr. RoyleIn view of that, would the hon. Gentleman consult with the United States authorities? Does he not think that this might be one way of alleviating the present concern about West Indians in this country? Since West Indians are British subjects, will he ask the United States if they will make up this quota out of West Indians in this country?
§ Mr. ThomasAs my right hon. Friend the Prime Minister said on 2nd May, certain representations on immigration 32 were made to the United States Government. They have shown sympathy and understanding towards the Federation. As the hon. Member may know, there are certain Bills before Congress at the moment. It obviously would not be proper for me to say anything further about this matter while those Bills are before Congress.