HC Deb 23 October 1972 vol 843 cc195-6W
64. Mr. Ewing

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many local authorities have indicated that they will not accept any Ugandan Asians; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Lane

Local authorities recognise that they have no power to accept or refuse anyone who wishes to reside in their areas. Some 300 housing authorities have so far offered a total of about 1,500 homes to the Uganda Resettlement Board; many others are still considering the board's request for accommodation.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, up to and including Friday, 20th October, 1972, what was the total number of Ugandan Asians admitted into the United Kingdom since the action taken by the Ugandan Government to expel these citizens; how many of these were children; where they have been settled or temporarily transferred; and how many have gone to the London Borough of Newham.

Mr. Lane

The number admitted up to 20th October was just under 17,500. I shall not be able to say for a few days how many of these were children but will write to the hon. Member as soon as I have this information.

More than half of those admitted have been accommodated in the Uganda Resettlement Board's resettlement centres: and most of the remainder have made private arrangements in various parts of the country. On the basis of intentions notified to them by individual refugees, the Uganda Resettlement Board estimate that rather more than 200 have gone to the London Borough of Newham.