Immigration Bill (Patrials)

HC Deb 23 March 1971 vol 814 cc101-2W

Mr. Evelyn King

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what estimate he has of the number of Australians, New Zealanders and Canadians, respectively, now living overseas who can qualify as patrials under the provisions of the Immigration Bill;

(2) what estimate he has of the number of persons, now living overseas, who can qualify as patrials under the provisions of the Immigration Bill, excluding Australians, New Zealanders and Canadians, giving their countries of origin, in so far as it is practicable.

Mr. Maudling

It is not possible to give reliable estimates. The total would run into some millions but this would include large numbers already exempt from control, including people born in the United Kingdom or whose fathers were born here.