HC Deb 26 May 1976 vol 912 cc206-7W
Mr. Richard Wainwright

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish in the Official Report the number of applications to magistrates courts for maintenance orders in each year since 1970 and in each month since January 1975; and what was the average amount of the maintenance orders that were awarded in each respective year or month.

Mr. John

The table below shows the number of maintenance orders applied for and granted in magistrates' courts in the years 1970 to 1973. Information for later periods is not yet readily available.

accommodation and many schools etc., and that notwithstanding exceptional efforts there is still a grave housing shortage, lack of schools etc.; and whether he will take action to assist the local authority in whatever way may prove possible to stop further numbers of immigrants from all over the world entering the borough and accentuating the housing, education, renting, rating, and employment problems now confronting the local borough council;

(3) whether, in view of the expected influx of immigrants from Malawi, Kenya and other African States, he will take whatever action he can to encourage these people not to settle in areas where there is already a shortage of housing, schooling, employment and other facilities.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

I am aware of the additional calls on local authority and other local services resulting from the arrival of newcomers in an area. Information about the distribution of Commonwealth immigrants is already available from the Census and I see no need for special action to monitor the movement of immigrants on a continuing basis. My Department is considering, in consultation with the other Departments concerned, whether the information already made available to prospective immigrants on housing, education and employment in this country can be supplemented by further guidance on the situation in particular areas. But any guidance must recognise the need many immigrants feel for support from their own minority communities if they are to settle successfully.