HC Deb 09 November 1973 vol 863 c268W
Mr. Luce

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will list the number of dependants of Commonwealth citizens admitted into the United Kingdom per annum since 1965 and provide an annual projected forecast of dependants to be admitted over the next five years.

Mr. Lane

The numbers of dependants of Commonwealth citizens excluding United Kingdom passport holders admitted for settlement in the years 1965 to 1972 were:

1965 41,214
1966 42,026
1967 52,813
1968 43,879
1969 29,454
1970 22,941
1971 20,282
1972 22,365

It is not possible to give precise annual forecasts for future years. The figure for 1973 is likely to be below that for 1972. We expect a further moderate but distinct fall in 1974 and a declining trend thereafter.