§ Q2. Mr. Swinglerasked the Prime Minister what consultations Her Majesty's Government have had on migration with Commonwealth Governments since the passing of the Commonwealth Immigrants Act; at what level these consultations have taken place; with which Commonwealth Governments they were held; and what have been the results.
§ The Prime MinisterAs I made clear in my reply to the hon. Member on 14th January, there is constant consultation with other Commonwealth Governments on the operation of our immigration control. Such consultation takes place at Ministerial or official level, 975 whichever is appropriate in the circumstances. Details of Commonwealth consultations are confidential.
§ Mr. SwinglerIs it the Prime Minister's view that these consultations are designed to work out a Commonwealth policy on migration, or is it his view—as it is the Home Secretary's view—that each Commonwealth country should decide unilaterally its policy on migration? What is the Government's policy on this matter?
§ The Prime MinisterThe Government's policy is that we have to decide what this country can afford in the way of immigration from the outside Commonwealth. That is our Government's decision, but on the details of the matter we are in constant consultation with Commonwealth Governments.
§ Mr. RentonIs my right hon. Friend aware that unexpectedly large numbers of people, possessing no special skills—many of whom are unable to speak English—have been entering in the past 12 months from India and Pakistan? Will he confer with the Governments of those two countries with a view to the administrative procedures being improved at their end?
§ The Prime MinisterThis is exactly the kind of question about which we consult.
§ Mr. SwinglerIs the Prime Minister trying to work out, through these consultations, a policy on migration within the Commonwealth, or is he resigned to the fact that no such policy is possible, and that, therefore, each country must operate its own system?
§ The Prime MinisterWe have tried very hard—I have tried for five years—to come to a voluntary arrangement with Commonwealth countries to limit immigration into this country. Clearly we cannot allow it to go on beyond a point at which this country can absorb it. That voluntary effort failed, and we now have to decide what we can take in consultation with all the Commonwealth countries concerned.