§ 15. Mr. Eyreasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the total increase in the number of immigrants who have settled in Great Britain in each of the following years: 1973–74, 1974–75 and 1975–76.
§ 18. Mr. Lawrenceasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what 602 is the total increase in the number of immigrants who have settled permanently in Great Britain in each of the following years: 1973–74, 1974–75 and 1975–76.
§ 22. Sir W. Elliottasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the total increase in the number of immigrants who have settled permanently in Great Britain in each of the following years: 1973–74, 1974–75 and 1975–76.
§ Dr. SummerskillThe total numbers of Commonwealth citizens and foreign nationals accepted for settlement in the United Kingdom, either on arrival or on removal of time limit, in each of the years 1973–75 were, respectively, 55,162, 68,878 and 82,405.
The figures show increases of 13,716 between 1973 and 1974, and 13,257 between 1974 and 1975. The provisional figure for total acceptances for settlement in 1976 shows a slight decrease compared with that of 1975.
§ Mr. EyreIs the hon. Lady aware that immigration has heavily increased under the present Government and that one of the most serious aspects is the developing problems in the crowded, run-down inner areas of cities such as Birmingham which are the main immigrant reception areas? Resources for housing, education and social services are being cut. Unless the Government are willing to allow the creation of extended slum areas, which cannot be in the interests of any family living there now, will the Government undertake a drastic review of immigration and reduce the numbers arriving?
§ Dr. SummerskillAs the hon. Gentleman may have heard in my reply, there has been a decrease during the past year. I am sure he will agree that the conditions to which he refers should not affect—I do not think this is the policy of his party—entitlement to admission conferred by Parliament on the dependants of Commonwealth citizens.
§ Mr. SpeakerWill the two hon. Members whose Questions are also being answered ask very brief supplementary questions? Otherwise we shall be taking Prime Minister's Question Time.
§ Mr. LawrenceIs the hon. Lady aware that the new immigrants are not being spread evenly throughout the country but 603 siphoned into 18 large towns and cities throughout the country, thus putting tremendous pressure on existing resources? What on earth is the point of making matters worse if the Government do not have the money available to give increased resources to the areas concerned?
§ Dr. SummerskillThere is no direction of immigrants to where they should go to live. I do not think that the hon. Gentleman would want to see that.