HC Deb 18 May 1965 vol 712 cc1186-7
11. Sir C. Osborne

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations, in view of the recent statement by the Government of Barbados that there is no evasion of the Commonwealth Immigrants Act, and therefore no need for a visit from Lord Mounbatten, what other Commonwealth Governments have made official representations to the same effect; if he will cancel Lord Mountbatten's proposed visits; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Cledwyn Hughes

The Mission on Commonwealth Immigration, led by Lord Mountbatten, is not concerned solely with evasion. As my right hon. Friend the Lord President of the Council stated on 23rd March, the Mission will consider and discuss with the Governments concerned what new measures might be adopted, particularly in the country of origin, to regulate the flow of immigrants to the United Kingdom, including the need to prevent evasion of our control. No Commonwealth Government has made any representation against a visit by the Mission and I see no reason to make any change in the Mission's plans.

Sir C. Osborne

Why should the Commonwealth Governments accept the tiny number of immigrants into this country that will soon be inevitable merely because Lord Mountbatten asks them to do so?

Mr. Hughes

I am sorry that the hon. Gentleman is determined to inject the utmost ill-will into this matter. This is a matter which needs sympathy and understanding and the Mission is part of an effort by the Government to solve this difficult problem.

Mr. James Johnson

Have the Government of Mauritius asked that Lord Mountbatten should go there? If so, what answer was given to Mauritius?

Mr. Hughes

Perhaps my hon. Friend would be good enough to table a Question to that effect to my right hon. Friend the Colonial Secretary. I have not got the reply to that question.

Sir C. Osborne

Is the Minister of State aware that I utterly reject his false accusation that I am trying to inject ill-will into this matter, especially in view of the fact that he and his hon. Friends howled me down in the House when I tried to put proposals on which they are now acting?

Mr. Hughes

Any reasonable proposition the hon. Gentleman puts forward will be considered.