HC Deb 12 March 1985 vol 75 c84W
Mr. Coombs

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Polish nationals have been given permission to stay on a temporary basis in the United Kingdom since the imposition of martial law in Poland; and if he will make a statement on their future.

Mr. Waddington

The numbers of Polish nationals admitted to the United Kingdom for a limited period in 1982, 1983 and 1984, including those who came as visitors, were 14,600, 23,900 and 33,800 respectively. Comprehensive information on applications to remain in the United Kingdom is available only for 1984, when about 4,100 Polish nationals were granted extensions of stay for a limited period. Since the imposition of martial law in Poland, about 1,000 Polish nationals have been granted an exceptional leave to remain in the United Kingdom in accordance with my right hon. Friend's announcement on 9 March 1983.