HC Deb 01 February 1982 vol 17 cc62-3W
Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many people emigrated from the United Kingdom during 1981 for permanent settlement abroad; how many went to each country; and if he will give comparable figures for each of the previous 10 years.

Mr. Geoffrey Finsberg

Figures relating to persons emigrating from the United Kingdom for permanent settlement abroad are not available. However, the international passenger survey (IPS) provides details of emigrants, defined as persons who, having resided for at least one year in the United Kingdom, intend to spend a year or more in another country. The IPS is a sample survey in which information is collected from travellers at main sea and air ports, but excluding routes to and from the Irish Republic.

The estimated numbers of emigrants to selected countries from the United Kingdom during 1977–80 were published in my reply to the hon. Member for Glasgow, Maryhill (Mr. Craigen) on 20 January 1982. [Vol. 16, c. 139]. Similar figures for 1971–80 will be published tomorrow in "International migration 1980," a copy of which will be placed in the Library of the House. Figures for 1981 are not yet available.