HC Deb 15 February 1968 vol 758 cc395-6W
43. Sir J. Langford-Holt

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will consider a system of limiting the admission of the family or dependants of immigrants to those whose names have been included in the original application.

Mr. Callaghan:

It is already the practice to ask Commonwealth citizens overseas who are issued with employment vouchers or entry certificates to provide particulars of their dependants, and I am not persuaded that any extension of this practice would be feasible or effective.

50. Sir C. Osborne

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in view of the fact that nearly 15,000 coloured immigrants were admitted to the United Kingdom in the month of December, 1967, under Part I of the Commonwealth Immigrants Act, 1962, bringing the total to well over 1,000,000, at what level he proposes to take steps to stop further immigration; and when he expects that position to be attained.

Mr. Ennals:

I cannot accept the hon. Member's figures, which cover all arrivals for whatever purposes, including visitors, students and businessmen, and take no account of departures. It remains the policy of the Government to control the entry of immigrants so that it does not outrun our capacity to absorb them.

63. Mr. Sandys

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to curtail the influx of immigrants into Great Britain.

Mr. Callaghan:

The number of Commonwealth citizens admitted under the Commonwealth Immigrants Act, 1962 is kept under careful review. As regards citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies who are not subject to the Act, I would refer the right hon. Member to the Answer I gave to earlier Questions today.

Sir C. Osborne

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, in view of the increase in unemployment in recent months, if he will now further restrict levels of immigration into this country.

Mr. Ennals:

No. The number of Commonwealth immigrants admitted for employment is already very small.