§ Mr. Brothertonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many letters he has received from members of the public on the subject of immigration since 1st January of the current year.
§ Dr. SummerskillDuring January and February, the Department received approximately 80,000 letters from members of the public about immigration matters. This figure includes letters from hon. Members and correspondence on personal cases.
§ Mr. Arthur Lewisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the total costs of the control of immigration and nationality for the year 1976–77 was £16,282,000 and in the year 1977–78 £17,272,000; and, in view of the fact that immigration is now a mere trickle, what are the reasons for these increases.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesBoth figures are to be found in the Supply Estimates 1977–78, Class IX, Law, Order and Protective Services. The former in the revised budget estimate of gross expenditure in the 1976–77 financial year for Section C of the General Protective Services Vote, England and Wales: Control of Immigration and Nationality. The latter is the initial budget estimate for the present financial year. The increase is principally due to an adjustment between Votes. The 1977–78 initial budget estimate provided for fewer staff than that for 1976–77. The costs reflect the amount of work to be done in maintaining the control of all passengers, and of those subject to immigration control who wish to extend their stay in this country whether or not they wish to settle here.