HC Deb 28 February 1978 vol 945 cc192-3W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services what were the figures for the overseas population in Great Britain in 1951, 1971 and at the latest available date.

Mr. Moyle

According to the 1951 Census of Population, there were some 1,573,000 people enumerated and resident in Great Britain but born outside the United Kingdom. The comparable figure given by the 1971 Census of Population was some 2,983,000. Figures for later years are not available.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he will publish the Official Report as much detailed information as may be available, giving for as many years as possible, the number of children born in England and Wales, the countries of origin of the mothers, and to what extent the stable birth rate among mothers born in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh during 1970 to 1974 was maintained between 1974 and 1978; and whether the rate of births to West Indian mothers during 1970 to 1974, which showed a steady decline, was maintained during 1974 to 1978.

Mr. Moyle

Information on births in England and Wales analysed by the birthplace of the mother is published annually in an OPCS Monitor, reference FMI. FMI 76/1 covered the period April 1969 to December 1974, FMI 77/1 the year 1975 and FMI 77/2 the year 1976. Copies are in the Library, and I am sending a set to my hon. Friend.

Births to mothers born in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh numbered 21,300 in 1970, 20,000 in 1974 and 21,700 in 1976. The number of women of child-bearing age born in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh is estimated to have increased over this period, so the relatively small change in numbers of births implies some fall in births in relation to population.

Births to mothers born in the West Indies numbered 14,100 in 1970, fell rapidly to 8,100 in 1974, then declined rather more slowly to the 1976 figure of 7,200. This indicates a clear fall in births in relation to the number of women of child-bearing age born in the West Indies, which is estimated to have changed very little over this period.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many inhabitants of Great Britain in 1971 and at the latest available date were born in India, Pakistan and in the West Indies, respectively.

Mr. Moyle

According to the 1971 Census of Population, the numbers of people resident in Great Britain but born in India, Pakistan and the West Indies—that is Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago—were 322,000, 140,000 and 237,000 respectively. Comparable data for later years are not available.