HC Deb 07 December 1972 vol 847 c478W
26. Mr. Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will now bring in legislation to halt all further immigration from all sources by heads of families into the United Kingdom for a period of five years, except for those from the old Commonwealth who have direct hereditary links with the United Kingdom.

Mr. R. Carr

I intend to maintain a strict control over immigration, but I could not justify the extreme measure which my hon. Friend suggests.

Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a statement on recent and future trends in immigration.

Mr. R. Carr

There has for some years been a declining trend in admission for settlement of citizens of other countries. When the Immigration Act, 1971, comes fully into force on 1st January the powers to control immigration will be strengthened and I intend to make full use of them.