HC Deb 28 June 1979 vol 969 cc632-3
8. Mr. Thomas Cox

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to meet leaders of the Asian community now living in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Raison

I have already received a number of requests for such meetings and I am looking forward to seeing representatives of the Asian community in the coming months.

Mr. Cox

I thank the Minister for that reply. He will now be aware of the deep concern within the Asian community about the suggested changes in immigration law. At a time when race relations are of crucial importance, how will the introduction of the register and stopping the entry of dependent relatives of husbands do anything to make the Asian community feel that legislation is not being introduced against it and no other section of the community? Will he bear that in mind before any discussions take place?

Mr. Raison

I accept the crucial importance of good race relations, which our proposals are designed to enhance. I suggest that the hon. Gentleman awaits details of our proposals. We shall bring them forward as soon as possible.

Mr. Marlow

When my hon. Friend is considering immigration procedures, will he give the fullest weight to the views, interests and concerns of the indigenous population, which has been forgotten about for far too long?

Mr. Raison

A good, sound race relations policy will command support in all sections of the community, and that is what we shall be seeking.

Mr. Torney

When the Minister meets the Asian community, will he explain why young Asian children are being sent from Heathrow to Harmondsworth detention centre, where there are no facilities, as I know personally, to look after young children? Will he take action to stop that inhuman practice?

Mr. Raison

We have no desire to see young children kept at Harmondsworth. However, occasionally there seems to be no alternative. In the eight weeks since the general election 49 children have been detained at Harmondsworth against 66 in the corresponding period in 1978 when the Labour Government were in office.

Mr. Torney

That does not make it right.

Forward to