Commons Uproar On Immigration

Press, Volume C, Issue 29680, 25 November 1961, Page 11

Commons Uproar On Immigration

(N^J’-A.-Reuter —Coppripht) LONDON, November 24. Uproar broke out in the House of Commons last night when the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Gaitskell, alleged -that the Prime Minister, Mr Macmillan, had not sufficiently consulted the Commonwealth on his plans to control Commonwealth immigration to Britain.

Mr Macmillan retorted at one point that as far as he knew Britain had never been consulted by any Commonwealth Government on any of their immigration policies. The exchange was punctuated by Labour cries of "what a way to run the British Commonwealth” and “resign.”

Mr Gaitskell asked if the Prime Minister thought consultation with Commonwealth Prime Ministers was adequate, so long as they were told what the Government’s intention was and that it was not necessary to consult them beforehand.

Mr Gaitskell thought Mr Macmillan’s treatment of the West Indies Federation Prime Minister (Sir Grantley Adams) “intolerable."

He said it was plain from what Sir Grantley Adams had said that there had been no consultation whatever with him before the Government made its decision to introduce the Commonwealth Immigration Bill. Mr Macmillan replied: "You know quite well that confidential discussions on this matter have gone on for a long time. "The Government has provided information of its intentions, invited comments and sought the co-operation of the West Indian Government in implementing any scheme outlined. "That i- what I understand by consultations; but perhaps you are confusing this with concurrence" Mr Gaitskell asked: “How can we call it adequate consultation when the Govern-

ment made up their minds before consulting Commonwealth Prime Ministers?” Mr Macmillan replied: “Confidential and informal discussions were held and Ministers knew what might be forced on the Government. They knew perfectly well as to the details and operation of such a scheme. We are in consultation and continue to be in consultation.” He then added: “As to the principle, we have never been consulted, as far as I know, by any Commonwealth government or asked for our concurrence on any of their emigration policies.” BUI Not Dropped Later, when the House was discussing next week’s Parliamentary agenda, Mr Gaitskell asked if the Government was dropping the bill in view of the reaction in the Commonwealth “and the muddle which the Government has got itself in as to whether Ireland is to be included or not.” The Leader of the House. Mr lain Macleod, said the Government intended to proceed with the bill It did not appear in next week’s business, but no doubt it would be debated shortly. Mr Jeremy Thorpe (Liberal) asked whether Mr Macmillan intended that this “squalid little measure” would be passed by Christmas or would there be appropriate consultation with the Commonwealth? Mr Macleod replied: “It is our intention to take further stages of the bill before Christmas.” Earlier, the Commonwealth Secretary, Mr Duncan Sandys, also faced a barrage of questions about the bill. He told questioners that some Commonwealth governments had expressed criticism of the proposals, and others understanding of the policy contained in it