HC Deb 28 June 1962 vol 661 cc164-6W
Sir C. Osborne

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Commonwealth immigrants arrived in May, 1962; from which countries they came; and what were the corresponding figures for the preceding two years.

Mr. R. A. Butler

Following are the figures:

Estimated net inward movement in May from 1960 1961 1962
West Indies 4,950 7,500 5,600
East African territories 20 100 400
West African territories 150 450 1,050
Cyprus 300 300 250
Gibraltar 10 -50 20
Malta 100 30 200
Aden 50 20 10
Hong Kong 200 200 300
Malaya Nil 50 200
Singapore 20 80 50
India 1,000 1,750 3,200
Pakistan 250 1,170 2,550
Ceylon 100 70 300
Miscellaneous territories -50 -70 370
7,100 11,600 14,500
NOTES:
1. A minus sign denotes a net outward movement.
2. Figures are not available in respect of Canada, Australia, New Zealand or the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland.

Sir C. Osborne

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is now the approximately total number of immigrants that have arrived in this country since the end of the war; in which areas post-war immigrants have mostly concentrated; how far they have aggravated the local housing shortage in those areas; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. R. A. Butler

Since the war about 250,000 refugees and European volunteer workers have been admitted to this country; and the number of other aliens accepted for permanent residence has ranged from about 8,000 per annum to a present figure of about 16,000. As regards Commonwealth citizens, figures are available only since 1955 and only in respect of the West Indies and certain Commonwealth countries in Asia, Africa and the Mediterranean. The aggregate figure of net inward movement from those territories is about 450,000. Records of the distribution of the immigrant population are not kept by my Department. Questions about housing should be addressed to my right hon. Friends the Minister of Housing and Local Government and the Secretary of State for Scotland.