HC Deb 26 February 1975 vol 887 cc181-2W
Sir Frederic Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what estimates are available of the percentage of emigrants to Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Rhodesia, respectively, who have decided to return to Great Britain with or without United Kingdom Government assistance during the last five years or other convenient statistical period.

Miss Joan Lestor

The figures for United Kingdom citizens who have emigrated to these countries are not available to us. Only the countries receiving immigrants could say how many United Kingdom citizens they have admitted. Neither we nor British missions abroad know how many immigrants have decided to return to Britain apart from those who have been repatriated.

The numbers repatriated at Her Majesty's Government's expense in the year ended 31st March 1974 are as follows:

  • Canada—2.
  • Australia—5 (including 3 children).
  • New Zealand—nil.
  • South Africa—43 (including 23 children).
Because we have no diplomatic mission in Rhodesia, repatriation at Her Majesty's Government's expense does not arise.

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