HC Deb 24 May 1965 vol 713 cc21-3
28. Mr. Gurden

asked the Minister of Pensions and National Insurance how many immigrants claim National Assistance immediately upon arrival.

Mr. Pentland

I regret that the information is not available.

Mr. Gurden

Does not the hon. Member feel that these figures ought to be given to the House, since the number of immigrants coming into the country has risen this year as compared with last year?

Mr. Pentland

No, Sir. It has always been our policy—and I understand it has been the policy of the previous Government—that the National Assistance Board should not make separate records or distinguish in any way between immigrants and others receiving National Assistance. The Board does not collect any information about the number of Commonwealth immigrants or aliens who are in receipt of National Assistance. We think that this is right.

Mr. Orme

Will my hon. Friend recognise that hon. Members on this side of the House very much welcome that reply? Will he continue not to show any form of discrimination in any figures that his Department gives, and treat all citizens on an equal basis, as they are entitled to be treated?

Mr. Pentland

I am obliged to my hon. Friend. That is our firm policy.

Mr. Ogden

Will my hon. Friend consider obtaining these figures? Will he also consider obtaining figures showing how many immigrants do not claim National Assistance—either on their arrival or at any other time during their stay in this country?

Mr. Pentland

This is most difficult—[HON. MEMBERS: "Oh."]—in view of our policy, of course it is difficult. The Ministry of Labour collects at intervals information about Commonwealth immigrants registered at the employment exchanges. This is analysed to show the numbers of those receiving unemployment benefit, those receiving supplementation and those receiving National Assistance, but these figures are for able-bodied Commonwealth immigrants coming into the country. On the second part of the supplementary question, I cannot see how we could make provision for seeking the figures asked for.

Sir Rolf Dudley Williams

Does the hon. Gentleman realise that if he replied to the Question asked by my hon. Friend the Member for Birmingham, Selly Oak (Mr. Gurden) the people of this country would be gravely shocked to hear of the burden they are carrying regarding immigrants coming in and immediately seeking National Assistance?

Mr. Pentland

The hon. Member is basing his supplementary question on an assumption which is not true.—[HON. MEMBERS: "Then tell us the figures."]—The figures are not being brought forward because we are not prepared—and I understand the previous Government were not prepared—to discriminate in any way among people receiving National Assistance.