HC Deb 27 May 1968 vol 765 cc153-4W
2. Mrs. Renôe Short

asked the Minister of Social Security what safeguards have been introduced to ensure that those Commonwealth immigrants who have been assisted by her Department to return home do not immigrate again at a later date.

Mrs. Hart

I am satisfied that in practice there is not a real problem here. One of the conditions governing the advance of the costs of repatriation by the Supplementary Benefits Commission is that the person concerned has been unable to find work in this country and is unlikely to be able to settle down here. He returns at this own wish. In these circumstances, it is most unlikely that he will seek to return to this country.

20. Mr. Hornby

asked the Minister of Social Security how many immigrants have been repatriated under her Department's scheme; and how many of these have been repatriated within the last year.

Mrs. Hart

From 1935 to 1948, at least ten persons were assisted. Since 1948 the costs of repatriation have been advanced for upwards of 1,200 individuals or families, including aliens. In 1967, 72 were assisted.