§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is aware that since 1971 the number of immigrants in the London Borough of Newham has increased from 28,000 to a figure between 42,000 and 46,000 and that this is causing stresses on the social services, including health, maternity and child welfare; and what action he has taken, or intends taking, to resolve these problems.
§ Mr. MoyleI am aware that the number for Newham residents from ethnic minorities may have risen since 1971, though the figures quoted by my hon. Friend for the present are unconfirmed estimates.
For health services, the City and East London Area Health Authority (Teaching) takes account of the full range of health needs in Newham, including those that relate specifically to ethnic minorities; and I know that the Social Services Committee of the London Borough of Newham plans on a similar basis.
Grants are available under the urban programme for areas of special social need, and Newham is already receiving assistance from this source.
Grants are also available under Section 11 of the Local Government Act 1966 for authorities on which special demands are made as the result of the presence of large numbers of immigrants. More generally, we are discussing the needs of ethnic minorities for a variety of services, including the health and personal social services, in the Advisory Council on Race Relations.