§ 36. Mr. Sorensenasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what further consultations he has had with representatives of Jamaican and other British West Indian Governments concerning the problem of ensuring reasonable accommodation for immigrants to this country, in view of the complaints by returning immigrants in respect of accommodation.
§ Mr. H. FraserI have nothing to add to the Reply which my right hon. Friend gave to the hon. Member on 16th November. As he said then, the Colonial Governments most concerned are well aware of the accommodation problems here.
§ Mr. SorensenDoes not the hon. Gentleman agree that it is most lamentable that full consultation did not take place between ourselves and the West Indian representatives before the Bill relating to immigration was introduced? Will the hon. Gentleman say whether he would now take part in consultations 615 regarding this matter, which is the only valid aspect of the problem before us?
§ Mr. FraserThe first part of the hon. Gentleman's supplementary question is immensely wide of his Question on the Order Paper. Regarding the second part, there are standing arrangements by which representatives, that is to say, the Commissioner in London, the West Indies and the Home Department of this country are in touch.
§ Mr. SorensenIn view of the unsatisfactory nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall endeavour to raise the matter at the earliest opportunity.