HL Deb 13 December 1972 vol 337 cc742-3WA
LORD BARNBY

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many Pakistani persons, who were residing in the United Kingdom before Pakistan left the Commonwealth, continue now in residence in the United Kingdom, and presumably now rank as non-Commonwealth aliens; and what term of residence they enjoy.

THE MINISTER OF STATE, HOME OFFICE (VISCOUNT COLVILLE OF CULROSS)

I regret that we do not have figures in quite the form for which the noble Lord asks, but according to the 1971 Census there were then in this country nearly 140.000 people born in Pakistan. Most will have been admitted for settlement, but visitors, students and others here for temporary purposes will have been included in Census figures. Pending further legislation, citizens of Pakistan remain British subjects in United Kingdom law by virtue of Pakistan's inclusion in the list of Commonwealth countries in Section 1(3) of the British Nationality Act 1948.