§ Mr. Charles WardleI beg to move amendment No. 40, in page 8, line 11, after "territory", insert
but not by reference to race, colour or religion".
§ Mr. Deputy Speaker (Mr. Geoffrey Lofthouse)With this it will be convenient to take Government amendment No. 41.
§ Mr. WardleAmendment No. 40 provides that the criteria which are used to specify a group of persons who will be required to produce transit visas under the new provisions in clause 11 shall not be based on race, colour or religion. Amendment No. 41 makes a similar provision with regard to the different commencement dates which are permitted under clause 13.
In Committee some Opposition Members expressed concern that the criteria of origin or connection with a particular country or territory might be operated in a racialy discriminating way. I am pleased to move amendments which make it clear that that is not the case. The criteria that will be used will relate only to matters akin to but not necessarily confined to nationality, such as the type of passport or travel document which a person holds. Like the existing immigration controls, the new provisions will be operated without racial prejudice or discrimination. I urge the House to support the amendments.
§ Amendment agreed to.