§ LORD BROCKWAYMy 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 what action has been taken to establish advice agencies for intending emigrants to Britain at places of departure in Commonwealth countries.]
§ THE MINISTER OF STATE, FOREIGN AND COMMONWEALTH OFFICE (LORD SHEPHERD)My Lords, since the Commonwealth Immigrants Act 1962 came into force, British High Commissions in Commonwealth countries have provided advice for intending emigrants to Britain. As a result of the Government's decision last May to make entry certificates compulsory for dependants coming here for settlement, staffs of immigration sections at High Commissions have been strengthened where necessary to enable them to continue their advisory function.
§ LORD BROCKWAYMy Lords, I should like to thank the noble Lord for that Answer. Is he aware that many of us are receiving reports from India and Pakistan which confirm the warnings that were given of the cruel effects of ineffective administration in this matter? Is he aware, for example, that illiterate families living in Gujerat have to travel 300 miles before reaching the High Commission agencies, and that in the Punjab they often have to travel more than 100 miles, when they have never been more than 10 miles from their village? They often have to travel with their children and take them back before a decision is reached. Are Her Majesty's Government prepared to accept two suggestions? One is that there should be effective communication with these applicants before they leave their villages and, secondly, that voluntary agencies should be encouraged, as they would be more acceptable than Government officials.
§ LORD SHEPHERDMy Lords, I would not accept in full the strictures of my noble friend. Conditions have 654 been very much improved by the increase in the number of staff in our High Commissions who now deal with emigration. Even if there were advisory committees I do not believe we should be able to assist, if I take the example of my noble friend, somebody who lives 300 miles from a main town. Naturally we will consider anything we can do to help people. There is a limit to how far we can go in such a country so large as India or Pakistan.