HC Deb 15 February 1973 vol 850 cc1444-5
Q4. Mr. Duffy

asked the Prime Minister if he is satisfied with the coordination between the Department of the Environment, Department of Employment, and Department of Social Services and Home Department about the rules governing the housing, wages, social and political rights of immigrant workers in the Common Market countries.

The Prime Minister

Yes, Sir.

Mr. Duffy

Has the Prime Minister seen the statement made last month by Bishop Cleary, Auxiliary Bishop of Birmingham, saying that immigrants in the Common Market countries are poorly housed, badly paid, have no political and social rights, and are treated as short-term fodder for the economies of those countries? Will the right hon. Gentleman take urgent steps to see that this is not the lot of British workers who may move into the other member countries? Will the Prime Minister invite those countries to get together in order to see that such workers are treated in a less haphazard and makeshift manner?

The Prime Minister

I have not seen the statement to which the hon. Gentleman refers. I understand that these matters have been discussed under the auspices of the Council of Europe and that our representatives have played a full part in the discussions.