§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer whether he plans to change his estimate of immigration in the(a) short, (b) medium and (c) long terms to take account of likely numbers of immigrants from Eastern European countries which will accede to the EU this year. [153094]
§ Ruth KellyThe latest (2002-based) official population projections for the United Kingdom were published by the Government Actuary's Department in December 2003. At present, the precise impact of enlargement of the European Union cannot be predicted. However, recent Home Office research has concluded that the effect on the UK is likely to be fairly small.
1166WNational population projections are normally carried out biennially and the next set is scheduled for publication in 2005. As usual, there will be a full review of migration assumptions for these projections. The need for an additional allowance for the effects of EU enlargement will be reviewed at the time.