HL Deb 27 September 2000 vol 616 cc139-40WA
Lord Judd

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How they will ensure that any change in Immigration Rules to allow into the United Kingdom greater numbers of people with skills needed in the United Kingdom economy will not aggravate the economic plight of the communities and countries from which they come, thereby increasing the pressures on those with fewer skills to emigrate. [HL3706]

Lord Bassam of Brighton

Our formal aim for immigration explicitly calls for regulation of entry to and settlement in the United Kingdom in the interests of social stability and economic growth. Firm and effective immigration control is—and will remain—the essential platform to the Government's approach in this area. We recognise that there is a developing debate about the economic and social benefits of migration, taking place against a backdrop of globalisation, increasing labour mobility, political instability around the world and organised illegal immigration. In welcoming further discussion, there is a need to look across the full range of migration issues,

out of control. This would include any such incidents involving dogs of the type known as the pit bull terrier, but it is not possible from the data to isolate figures relating to them. The information requested is not readily available from other sources.

including the impact on the communities and countries from which migrants come, to ensure a coherent approach.