§ Mr. Deedesasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now make a statement about the coming into force of the provisions of the Commonwealth Immigrants Act.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI have today made an order bringing Part I of the Act into force on 1st July, 1962. This means that the immigration of Commonwealth citizens on or after that date will be subject to control, and those coming for employment will require employment vouchers.
Arrangements are being made to publicise in all Commonwealth countries the main features of the control and the date on which it will come into force. Forms of application for employment vouchers will be available in overseas territories by the end of this month, and arrangements are in hand for our posts overseas to operate the entry certificate procedure for those who wish to take advantage of it.
There may be a few cases where sea passages have been booked, in ships arriving here shortly after 1st July, by persons who may not be able to secure vouchers before leaving. Such persons will be dealt with sympathetically, and arrangements are being made, where appropriate, to assist them by means of the entry certificate procedure.
Under my order, Part II of the Act, dealing with deportation, and Part HI, containing miscellaneous provisions, will come into operation on 31st May, 1962.
§ Mr. Gurdenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take early action to enable him to deport the Pakistanis who exploit immigrants by trading them in employment and other activities, and are recommended 110W by the courts for deportation under the relevant provisions of the Commonwealth Immigrants Act.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerI have today made an order bring into force on 31st May next the provisions of the Commonwealth Immigrants Act relating to deportation.