HC Deb 08 July 1965 vol 715 cc293-4W
56. Mr. Ronald Bell

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress he has made in tracing illegal immigrants from the Commonwealth; and how many Commonwealth immigrants have now been deported upon the grounds of illegal entry.

Sir F. Soskice

On the first part of the Question, I have nothing to add to the answer I gave on 13th May to a Question by the hon. Member for Louth (Sir C. Osborne). As to the second part, 16 Commonwealth citizens have been deported under Part II of the Commonwealth Immigrants Act, 1962, following their conviction of offences under Sestions 4 and 11 of the Act. In addition, about 80 seamen deserters have been traced and repatriated under the powers conferred by Schedule 1 to the Act.

57. Mr. Wingfield Digby

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of immigrants in 1964 had a good written and spoken knowledge of English.

Mr. George Thomas

This information is not available.

Sir C. Osborne

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in view of the fact that during May 4,233 immigrants were admitted from India, 1,603 from Jamaica, 2,613 from Pakistan, 629 from Nigeria, and 594 from Hong Kong, what action he now proposes to take before the Summer Recess to stop this flow of immigrants, and give the local authorities a chance to deal with the problems already existing; and if he will make a statement.

Sir F. Soskice

The figures which the hon. Member quotes are the total numbers of Commonwealth citizens subject to the Commonwealth Immigrants Act 1962 admitted during May from the territories named, and they include many persons admitted as visitors or students on a temporary basis. I am not in a position at the moment to add anything to the statement which the Prime Minister made on 15th June.

Sir C. Osborne

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Commonwealth immigrants Her Majesty's Government now plan to accept into this country; when he estimates that this number will be reached, allowing for their rapid birth rate; how he will prevent more coming in; if he is aware of the danger of permitting unlimited immigration indefinitely; and if he will make a statement.

Sir F. Soskice

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave today to a Question by the right hon. Member for Monmouth (Mr. Thorneycroft).