HC Deb 26 October 1971 vol 823 cc1475-6
Q5. Mr. Bidwell

asked the Prime Minister how many letters he has now received from community relations councils supporting the Immigration Bill.

The Prime Minister

I would refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave on 19th October to Questions from the hon. Member for Birmingham, Northfield (Mr. Carter) and other hon. Members.—[Vol. 823, c. 540.]

Mr. Bidwell

This is all a little dated by the Summer Recess. However, does the right hon. Gentleman agree that when he told me some months ago that he did not propose to take away the right of children to join their parents, the breadwinners in this country who had been brought here by their employers, he was misleading the House and that that is why it was necessary for the Members of another place to make am appropriate amendment to the Bill? On reflection, does the right hon. Gentleman not agree that this whole legislation looks a shambles—like one of the ruins that Cromwell knocked about a bit—and that it would be cleaner if the Government withdrew it altogether?

The Prime Minister

I do not accept any of those points.

Mr. Tom Boardman

Can my right hon. Friend estimate how many letters and protests he would have received if the Government had not carried out the immigration pledges on which they were elected?

The Prime Minister

I eschew most hypothetical questions, but particularly that one.