HC Deb 22 June 1984 vol 62 cc299-300W
Mr. Proctor

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent representations he has received from the Sikh community and others requesting improvements in assistance for repatriation; what response he gave; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Waddington

In April 1984 I met a delegation which included some representatives of the Sikh community. At this meeting, it was suggested that the financial assistance provided under section 29 of the Immigration Act 1971 to persons who wished to return permanently to their country of origin should include a lump sum payment to help with resettlement expenses. I explained that it was not possible to make any such payment under the section 29 scheme and that the Government had no plans for any amending legislation.