HC Deb 08 February 1968 vol 758 cc212-3W
Sir C. Osborne

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in view of the large increase of Pakistanis in Bradford, many unable to speak English, he will take steps to relieve the social pressures on that city.

Mr. Ennals

Section 11 of the Local Government Act, 1966, authorised the payment of grant towards the cost of staff employed by local authorities who have to provide special services for immigrants with different languages and customs. The Bradford authority is already receiving grant aid under this provision.

Sir C. Osborne

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are his assumptions on the increase in the Commonwealth immigrant population, both new arrivals and births, in this country between now and A.D. 2000; and what size he forecasts it will grow to by that year.

Mr. Ennals

There is no realistic basis for making assumptions or forecasts so far ahead.

Sir C. Osborne

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many coloured immigrants have settled in Wales; and if he will take steps to encourage such immigrants to move to Wales from the congested areas in England.

Mr. Ennals

The latest estimate is that about 10,000 people resident in Wales were born in new Commonwealth countries.

Immigrants, like other residents in this country, are free to live and work where they choose.