§ Baroness Hanhamasked Her Majesty's Government:
What effect the Home Secretary's statement that there was no limit to the number of immigrants in the country who could be assimilated would have on the sustainable communities plan; where additional housing capacity would be placed; and how many extra units they expect would have to be provided as a result. [HL17]
§ The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Scotland of Asthal)My right honourable friend the Home Secretary indicated recently that there is no obvious limit on the number of migrants entering the United Kingdom. This is not to say there should not be limits, but that immigration should be managed flexibly according to the needs of the economy on the one hand and the capacity of public services and the impact on community cohesion on the other. This is precisely the Government's policy of managed migration.
The sustainable communities plan is already modelled on, and takes into account, overall projections of population and employment growth, including immigration.