HC Deb 19 April 1971 vol 815 cc808-9
39. Sir Elwyn Jones

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he is aware of difficulties being encountered by children of Commonwealth immigrants when school authorities seek to include them in Collective Passports; and whether he will take steps to ease these problems.

Mr. Godber

I am aware of these difficulties, but we are bound by international agreement to include only children who are United Kingdom nationals in collective passports issued in this country.

Sir Elwyn Jones

Is the Minister aware that these difficulties have given rise to great concern, because they have at any rate given the impression of racial discrimination taking place in schools among pupils? May not one of the difficulties well be a failure to explain which formalities are required? If the convention is creating special difficulties, is it not possible to look at the terms of the convention with a view to advocating a review if it be necessary?

Mr. Godber

I am glad that the right hon. and learned Gentleman has tabled this Question so that, if it is felt that such discrimination is taking place, I can refute it, because such a feeling is entirely unfounded. This is an international arrangement which was introduced specifically to try to help groups of young people for travel purposes. It is a fairly complicated arrangement, and to get agreement a good deal of discussion in the Council of Europe was involved. It would be difficult to get alterations made to the convention, but there is provision for children who have subsequently qualified for United Kingdom citizenship to be brought within the terms of a collective passport so long as proper notice is given. There is a four-week period of notice. Generally speaking, the arrangement works reasonably satisfactorily.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

My right hon. and learned Friend the Member for West Ham, South (Sir Elwyn Jones) has rightly said that this matter has caused considerable trouble in West Ham, East Ham and the London Borough of Newham. Will the Minister have an investigation made to ensure that these problems do not occur in other areas, because there has been an outcry in the areas I mentioned?

Mr. Godber

I understand the hon. Gentleman's concern. I looked into this closely to see whether we could help. I wish that I could help, but there are difficulties. I am glad to be able to tell the hon. Gentleman that in the case which I believe he has in mind it was possible for the three Indian children concerned to be brought within the terms of the collective passport, because they had acquired British citizenship. Therefore, it was possible to clear that case up. It is also possible to clear up many other cases.

Sir Elwyn Jones

Would the Minister of State see whether there is any room for better liaison between his Department and the Home Office in this matter? When the particular case to which my hon. Friend referred arose, it was necessary to communicate with both Departments. There was, if I may say so, a good deal of apparent passing of the buck. Would the right hon. Gentleman look at this possibility of a better link between the Departments?

Mr. Godber

I will consider the matter in view of what the right hon. and learned Gentleman said. Normally there is very close liaison, but I will certainly follow up the matter.