HC Deb 19 June 1969 vol 785 cc122-3W
16. Sir G. Nabarro

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent immigration has increased or declined, in respect of those with work vouchers and those who are dependants, in the 12 months ended 31st May, 1969, compared with the equivalent period one year earlier.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

I assume the hon. Member is referring to Commonwealth immigration. The latest available information is that in the twelve months ended 30th April, 1969, the number of voucher holders arriving was 16 per cent. lower than in the preceding twelve months, and the number of dependants 26 per cent. lower.

The following are the figures:

NUMBERS OF COMMONWEALTH IMMIGRANTS* ADMITTED
May, 1967-April, 1968 May, 1968-April, 1969
Employment voucher holders 5,151 4,344
Dependants 54,401 40,175
* Excluding United Kingdom passport holders.

17. Sir G. Nabarro

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department which countries have agreed to operate the new system for entry vouchers for Commonwealth immigrants to be issued at the point of Commonwealth departure; which countries have not yet agreed to do so; and by what date he expects to obtain acceptance by all Commonwealth countries.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

Entry certificates are issued by our own posts overseas and no question of agreement by other Governments arises. All Commonwealth dependants coming here for settlement now require certificates.

39. Sir D. Renton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that official statistics show that in April 1969, 12,193 more Commonwealth immigrants were admitted to the United Kingdom under the 1962 Act than departed; when an increase of this size occurred previously; and if he will take further steps to ensure that such increases do not occur.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

The figures quoted by the right hon. Gentleman do not refer to immigrants but to the balance of all arrivals over all departures, including temporary visitors for business or holidays, students and returning residents. This does not measure new immigration from the Commonwealth for settlement, which in April was 4,151—compared with 4,449 in April, 1968.