§ Mr. G. Johnson Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about the work of the Commonwealth Immigrants Advisory Council.
§ Mr. BrookeTo ensure that the collective experience represented on the Council is as wide as possible I have decided to enlarge its membership, and I am glad to say that the following have accepted my invitation to serve as members:
- Dr. H. O. M. Bryant. M.B., C.H.B., D.P.H.
- Lady Coussey
- Mr. Philip Mason, C.T.E., O.B.E. and
- Mr. John Peile, J.P.
I have asked the Council:
- (i) to examine the arrangements made by local authorities in whose areas substantial numbers of Commonwealth immigrants have settled to assist immigrants to adapt themselves to British habits and customs, and to report on the adequacy of the efforts made;
- (ii) to examine whether the powers of local authorities to deal with matters affecting the welfare of immigrants are sufficient, and whether any further action can usefully be taken by the Government to stimulate action by local authorities; and
- (iii) to examine the relationship between action by local offices of Government Departments and local authorities on the one hand, and the efforts of voluntary bodies on the other, in furthering the welfare of immigrants.