HC Deb 05 November 1970 vol 805 cc1241-2
14. Mr. Wall

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now make a statement on his proposals for changes in the law regarding immigration.

Mr. Maudling

I would ask my hon. Friend to await publication of the Bill which is to be introduced this Session.

Mr. Wall

When my right hon. Friend is preparing that Bill will he give particular attention, first, to those Britons who, because of generations of service to the Crown by their families, were not born in this country, and therefore have no right of entry, and, secondly, to those who, although they have no direct contact with this country, have British passports and should, therefore, be given some priority?

Mr. Maudling

I will certainly give consideration to any point raised by my hon. Friend.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

Now that the Secretary of State has had an opportunity to look at the books, may I ask him to say whether immigration from the Commonwealth is out of control?

Mr. Maudling

Now that I have had an opportunity to look at the books I am confirmed in my view that the proposals contained in our manifesto were wise, and we intend to carry them out.