HL Deb 17 January 1967 vol 279 cc109-10WA
THE EARL OF SELKIRK

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they can give a broad estimate of the number of persons who have emigrated from the United Kingdom to the United States since 1946.

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS (LORD CHALFONT)

The number of immigrant visas issued by the United States authorities to applicants in the United Kingdom for the years 1948 to 1966 inclusive was 465,370. Figures are not available for 1946 and 1947.

Many holders of immigrant visas did not remain permanently in the United States, but applied for visas of this kind in order to be able to take up gainful employment for the duration of their visit. Figures are not available to show how many of these persons remained permanently in the United States.