HC Deb 27 April 1972 vol 835 cc1763-4
31. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Asians holding United Kingdom passports have been admitted to the United Kingdom during the months of January, February and March, 1972, respectively; and what recent instructions have been issued to immigration officers about this category of immigrant.

Mr. Maudling

In January, 1,667 and in February, 1,434 United Kingdom passport holders were admitted from East Africa for all purposes. Figures for March are not yet available. In addition, 36 arrived in January from India without entry documents, 15 in February and 25 in March. No recent instructions have been issued to immigration officers about United Kingdom passport holders.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

Does that reply mean that my right hon. Friend can refute the Press reports that instructions were issued that unauthorised immigrants should be admitted, rather than go to the expense and troble of repatriation?

Mr. Maudling

Certainly. No recent instructions have been issued in this matter. We have been following previous custom.

Sir D. Renton

To what extent will these passport holders get employment in this country and how many dependants will they be bringing?

Mr. Maudling

If they are allowed to remain here permanently, it will, of course, be desirable that they should take up employment and, in accordance with our policy generally in regard to Commonwealth immigrants, be allowed to bring their families.

Mr. Alexander W. Lyon

Will the Home Secretary please accept the thanks of hon. Members on this side of the House for the compassion he has shown in dealing with this difficult problem, which eluded the last Administration but in respect of which we hope there will be success, even under this one?

Mr. Maudling

I am grateful for any comment of that kind. We have made some progress, but it would be dishonest of me to suggest that we have solved the problem finally. A number of matters remain to be sorted out.