HC Deb 03 December 1968 vol 774 cc421-2W
Sir Frank Pearson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what further estimates he has made of the backlog of dependants of immigrants wishing to enter the United Kingdom; and when this backlog is expected to be absorbed or substantially reduced.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

I assume the hon. Member is referring to Commonwealth immigrants. The time-lag in the arrival of dependants to join heads of families, and the possible impact of economic and other factors, makes forecasting of the future rate of entry difficult. But the marked reduction in numbers of employment voucher holders admitted since 1965 is bound to lead to a decline in numbers of dependants arriving.