Commentary from Mr Parkinson, 6 December 1972, folio 14

This document shows a debate in the House of Commons about the Government’s handling of the Ugandan Asians expulsion on 6 December 1972. Commentary by Mr Parkinson. (T353/27 f.14)

Transcript

The Ugandan Asians have a great contribution to make; their background suggests that they are far from being a drag on our society. The report of the Select Committee on Race Relations and Immigration which shows that the Asians have revealed themselves as the most law-abiding and hard working of our immigrant population gives reassurance that these people will not be a problem.

…There comes a time when one must stop taking the short-term view, the constituency view, the view that will collect a few cheap votes, and start thinking about what is right and proper. By any reasonable application of the tests that I have mentioned, the Hon. Member for West Ham North (Lewis), has failed tonight.

 

Return to Ugandan Asians 50th Anniversary Event: online display documents