HC Deb 18 December 1969 vol 793 cc1536-8
24. Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the Government will undertake not to accept or ratify any article in the Treaty of Rome which would have the effect of providing workers from European countries with greater freedom of entry to this country than is now permitted to Commonwealth citizens.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

There are material differences in the present arrangements for controlling the entry of aliens and Commonwealth citizens based on the different nature of the two types of immigration. The precise arrangements required under the Treaty of Rome must be a matter for negotiation, but it would not be surprising if it is found right that there should be differences in the future.

Mr. Jenkins

What I am seeking from my hon. Friend is an assurance that there will not be freer movement for aliens within Europe than there will be for British citizens of the Commonwealth. Will my hon. Friend give such an assurance? Will my hon. Friend accept that if he is not able to give such an assurance we shall fight him and press him until he is ready to give it?

Mr. Rees

I think that before fighting it would be a good idea to understand the subject. I think that my hon. Friend is mistaken in his analysis. One point that he must take into account is that until Commonwealth citizens who come to this country have been here for five years they are not citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies. This matter of citizenship is extremely complicated, and my advice is that it is not worth fighting about.

Mr. Shinwell

How does my hon. Friend get the idea that the Clause in the Treaty of Rome which refers to the free movement of labour in the countries of the Six is a matter for negotiation? Has he any authority for saying any such thing? How is it possible to reconcile the fact that an Italian labourer can come to this country without any hindrance or restrictions and yet that is denied to Commonwealth citizens?

Mr. Rees

As I understand it, all nationals from the member States of the E.E.C. will continue to be subject to immigration control. My right hon. Friend has widened the matter into an even wider and more difficult field of movement. I think that that, too, should be investigated before we argue.

Mr. Jenkins

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I beg to give notice that I shall endeavour to raise the matter on the Adjournment at the earliest possible opportunity.