HC Deb 11 July 1966 vol 731 cc937-8
1. Mr. Gorden

asked the Minister of Labour what has been the rate of issue of vouchers for Commonwealth immigrants curing each of the past 12 months; and at what rate he intends to issue during the next three months.

The Parliamentary Secretary to the Ministry of Labour (Mrs. Shirley Williams)

As the reply to the first part of the Question consists of a table of figures, I will, with permission, circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT. The issue during July will be 870 to achieve the annual total of 8,500 announced in the White Paper of 2nd August, 1965, and in August and September approximately 640 and 800, respectively.

Mr. Gorden

Can the figures be cut down still further, since so many dependants are coming in as a result of each voucher that is issued?

Mrs. Williams

The position, I understand, is that the present rate of vouchers will be maintained.

Sir C. Osborne

Why have the Government abandoned their own White Paper and allowed nearly three times as many people to come into the country as the White Paper said they would?

Mrs. Williams

I do not follow the hon. Member's question. The White Paper laid down a number of vouchers which would be issued, and these are being issued. It was made clear from the beginning that legitimate dependants would be allowed to come in. That is the position which the Government wish to retain.

Following is the information:

July, 1965 2,000
August, 1965 640
September, 1965 649
October, 1965 806
November, 1965 750
December, 1965 801
January, 1966 690
February, 1966 642
March, 1966 632
April, 1966 796
May, 1966 623
June, 1966 601
30. Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Minister of Labour if he is aware that his Department is treating Commonwealth citizens less favourably than aliens in the matter of permission to work in entertainment in the United Kingdom; and if he will give instructions that such discrimination against Commonwealth citizens is to cease.

Mrs. Shirley Williams

The systems of control over the immigration of aliens and Commonwealth citizens are not directly comparable, but in general the control exercised under the Commonwealth Immigrants Act, 1962, is the more generous. I will, however, gladly look into any individual cases my right hon. Friend may have in mind.

Mr. Jenkins

Is my hon. Friend aware that Mr. Anthony Then, a Malaysian citizen, has been treated less favourably than if he were an alien? Would she get in touch with her right hon. Friend to see whether perhaps between the two Departments there has been some misunderstanding in this matter?

Mrs. Williams

I thank my hon. Friend for bringing that case to my attention. If the position is as he suggests, we will certainly see what action we can take.