HC Deb 15 December 1960 vol 632 cc65-6W
17. Mr. Sorensen

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what further discussions he has had with West Indian Federal authorities in respect of migration from the West Indies to the United Kingdom and the reasons for the substantial increase of immigrants this year compared with the previous year; by what means these immigrants make the journey to this country; if Federal representatives make arrangements to meet them on their arrival; into what areas they have mostly gone; and to what extent new arrivals soon find employment.

Mr. Iain Macleod

I maintain close touch with the Federal and Unit Governments of the West Indies. The main reason for this year's increase in immigration is probably that West Indians already here have written home encouragingly about employment and general conditions of life in this country, since new arrivals have so far been finding jobs fairly easily. I have, however, impressed upon all West Indian Governments that the ability of the United Kingdom to absorb unskilled immigrant labour is not unlimited. Immigrants come by sea and air and are met by officers of the Commissioner for the West Indies. They tend to settle chiefly in London and large industrial towns in the Midlands and the north of England.