Immigration to United Kingdom

Oral Answers to Questions — Commonwealth Relations – in the House of Commons am 12:00 am ar 1 Rhagfyr 1964.

Danfonwch hysbysiad imi am ddadleuon fel hyn

Photo of Mr Willie Hamilton Mr Willie Hamilton , Fife West 12:00, 1 Rhagfyr 1964

asked the Secretary of State for Commonwealth Relations what progress has been made in the discussions with other Commonwealth Governments on the problem of immigration into this country; and whether he will make a statement.

Photo of Mr Arthur Bottomley Mr Arthur Bottomley , Middlesbrough East

I said in my reply to my hon. Friend the Member for Leyton (Mr. Sorensen) on 24th November that I had nothing to add to the reply I gave to the right hon. Member for Sutton Coldfield (Mr. Geoffrey Lloyd) on 17th November. This is still the position.

Photo of Mr Willie Hamilton Mr Willie Hamilton , Fife West

I am not too well acquainted with the contents of that Answer. Can my right hon. Friend say whether negotiations are still continuing with the Commonwealth Governments and whether at this stage he can say what the response has been, particularly from the Indian, Pakistan and West Indian Governments, to my right hon. Friend's proposals.

Photo of Mr Arthur Bottomley Mr Arthur Bottomley , Middlesbrough East

Discussions are still continuing, and at this stage I have nothing further to add.

Photo of Mr Geoffrey Lloyd Mr Geoffrey Lloyd , Sutton Coldfield

Does the right hon. Gentleman now appreciate the advantages of the Commonwealth Immigration Act which is protecting the country from an undue flood of immigration while the right hon. Gentleman pursues his negotiations?

Photo of Mr Arthur Bottomley Mr Arthur Bottomley , Middlesbrough East

As I have said, the negotiations are still continuing and until they are finalised there is nothing further to add.