§ 27. Mr. Chapmanasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what reply he has sent to the telegram sent by the Premier of Jamaica protesting at proposals to curb migration to Britain and alleging that they will be interpreted as 728 a failure to face up to the problem of colour.
§ Mr. MaudlingI have informed the Premier that I have received his message to which I am giving the fullest consideration.
§ Mr. ChapmanIs this all that this distinguished statesman is to get from the Colonial Secretary? Does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that the Government's threats on these matters are being interpreted in the West Indies as nothing more than colour prejudice? Could there not be some immediate reassurance to the peoples of Jamaica and the West Indies on that issue alone? Secondly, does not the right hon. Gentleman realise that, owing to the poverty and unemployment which we left behind in Jamaica, migration from that country is a safety valve which, if closed, might lead to social chaos there? Do not all these things mean that a very quick, very authoritative and sympathetic reply should be sent from this country?
§ Mr. MaudlingIf the Government have proposals to make on this matter, no doubt they will be fully debated when the time comes. In the meanwhile, I cannot tell the Premier more than that I have received his message and that I am considering it.
§ Mr. LiptonWhy should the Conservative Party Conference be given more details about this than anyone else? That is what so many of us object to most strenuously.