HC Deb 30 May 1963 vol 678 cc1521-3
20. Mr. N. Pannell

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many convictions there have been for being in possession of dangerous drugs since 1st July, 1962; how many of those convicted were Commonwealth immigrants; and how many such immigrants could not be recommended for deportation because they had been resident in the United Kingdom for five years or more.

Mr. Brooke

The number of convictions is 522. Of those convicted, 326 originated from other parts of the Commonwealth, and of these I estimate that nearly half had been resident in the United Kingdom for five years or more.

Mr. Pannell

Has my right hon. Friend taken note of the fact that more than half of these offences are attributable to Commonwealth immigrants and that since they are only 2 per cent. of the population this indicates that they are 25 times more prone to this offence than the average inhabitant of this country? Does my right hon. Friend consider that a matter for serious concern?

Mr. Brooke

The House gave consideration to a Bill produced by my hon. Friend on this subject a little time ago and decided to refuse leave to introduce it. I certainly cannot give my hon. Friend any encouragement to think that the Government would be prepared to introduce amendments in the existing law.

21. Mr. N. Pannell

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many convictions there have been for living on immoral earnings in the Metropolitan Police District since 1st July, 1962; how many of those convicted were immigrants from the Commonwealth or the Republic of Ireland, respectively; and how many such immigrants were immune from deportation through having been resident in the United Kingdom for five years or more.

Mr. Brooke

In the Metropolitan police district between 1st July, 1962, and 18th May, 1963, 154 persons were convicted of living on immoral earnings. Sixty-eight came from Commonwealth countries and 18 from the Irish Republic. Of these 86, 58 were not liable under the Commonwealth Immigrants Act for deportation because they had been resident in the United Kingdom for at least five years.

Mr. Pannell

In view of the fact that in connection with this offence and the matter of being in possession of dangerous drugs these Answers indicate that more than 50 per cent. of convictions are attributable to Commonwealth immigrants and immigrants from the Republic of Ireland, does my right hon. Friend not think it really regrettable that the majority escape deportation because they have been in this country for more than five years? Would my right hon. Friend take this into account and recognise that if this disability were removed the incidence of these serious crimes in this country would be greatly reduced?

Mr. Brooke

I am prepared to take everything into account, but it seems to me that it would be anomalous if, though we were prepared to offer naturalisation to foreigners after five years' residence in this country. we were to say that Commonwealth citizens who had been resident here for five years could be deported.

Mrs. Hart

Would the right hon. Gentleman explain to his hon. Friends that as long as they continue to insist on racial discrimination by refusing permission to the Bill which has often been before the House, there will be the lack of integration into society which produces criminal behaviour?

Mr. Speaker

The Minister cannot be asked to give explanations to his hon. Friends.

Mr. Ronald Bell

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that the figures which he gave in answer to the second Question really are dreadful and are bound to cause great disquiet about this serious offence of living on immoral earnings? Cannot my right hon. Friend give careful thought to seeing what can be done about it?

Mr. Brooke

These are grave crimes, but the penalty of deportation is not the only penalty which the courts can consider. It is open to the courts to impose very severe sentences upon them.

Mr. Pannell

Tell them not to do it again!