HL Deb 26 October 1965 vol 269 cc526-7

2.41 p.m.

LORD GIFFORD

My Lords, I beg leave to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government whether, in view of their policy on Commonwealth immigration, they have any plans for imposing a specific numerical limit on immigrants from countries other than the Commonwealth.]

THE JOINT PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY OF STATE, HOME OFFICE (LORD STONHAM)

My Lords, the only category of Commonwealth immigrants whose admission is subject to a numerical limit is those coming for employment. A much lower proportion of alien than of Commonwealth workers seek permanent residence, and we are able to regulate the admission of alien workers without having to impose a numerical limit.

LORD GIFFORD

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his Answer, but, in view of it, may I ask whether he will give the House an assurance that the jobs which are left unfilled by the restrictions on Commonwealth immigrants will not be filled by an increase in the number of non-Commonwealth immigrants? Would he also agree that the real cause of the immigrant problem in this country is the shortage of housing and social services, and that there are absolutely no grounds for discriminating in this way against Commonwealth (which in fact means coloured) immigrants by imposing a numerical ceiling on them and not on non-Commonwealth immigrants?

LORD STONHAM

My Lords, there is no question of discriminating against Commonwealth immigrants of any colour, and the facts do not support the noble Lord's contention. The number of Commonwealth citizens coming in for permanent residence is in the ratio of three to one as compared with foreigners who are accepted here for permanent residence, less than half of whom are people who come in as workers and who, after four years, have had their conditions cancelled.

The assurance asked for in the first part of the Question is quite unnecessary because the conditions under which alien workers come into this country are quite different. They have to come in with permits approved by the Ministry of Labour and each case is considered on its merits. The great majority of them come in for short periods and not for permanent residence.

LORD BROCKWAY

My Lords, has the noble Lord had his attention drawn to the statement by the employers in the expanding industries of Slough, which are largely export industries and which are dependent upon Commonwealth labour, that they will have to ask for increased alien labour in order to meet the needs of their factories and workshops?

LORD STONHAM

No, my Lords, my attention has not been drawn to that statement. But certainly what my noble friend has said will be considered.