HC Deb 30 March 1965 vol 709 cc1379-80
20. Mr. Fisher

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what Commonwealth countries Lord Mount-batten's immigration mission will visit; and when the visits will take place.

Mr. Bottomley

It has not yet been finally settled which Commonwealth countries the mission will visit. We are consulting a number of Commonwealth Governments about the possibility of a visit by the mission, but we have not yet received all their replies. It is proposed that the mission should begin its visits overseas after Easter.

Mr. Fisher

Can the right hon. Gentleman say what the term of refer- ence of this mission will be and what matters it will discuss? Could he say whether these bilateral talks are what the Government had in mind when they put forward Commonwealth consultation as their policy on this matter, or does he envisage that there should be an item on the agenda of the Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference dealing with migration, or, indeed, a Commonwealth migration conference later in the year on a multilateral basis?

Mr. Bottomley

It would be premature to say exactly what will happen as a result of the mission's visit. It is going out to try to ascertain facts in Consultation with Commonwealth Governments. On the question of whether this will be an item on the agenda of the Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference, it is true that last year it was agreed that the subject might be discussed. But it is not normal to draw up the agenda of the Commonwealth Prime Ministers' Conference before it meets.

Sir G. Nicholson

Would the right hon. Gentleman agree that it is essential that all the principal sources of immigrants to this country should be visited?

Mr. Bottomley

This is a matter for the mission, but I have no doubt that that will be done.

Mr. A. Royle

Is it the firm intention of the mission to visit Pakistan?

Mr. Bottomley

Yes. In place of the leader, Sir Charles Cunningham, Permanent Secretary to the Home Office, as deputy leader, will be the responsible person who will accompany the mission to Pakistan.