How Did the Government and Public Attitude Towards Immigration Change, 1958-79?

Question 1

Commonweath Immigration Act (1962)

Who Passed It?

Answer 1

Conservative
MacMillan’s government

Question 2

Commonweath Immigration Act (1962)

Key Measures

Answer 2

Designed to end large scale immigration
Immigrants only allowed to settle with a job voucher + job lined up
But dependents of pre 1962 immigrants allowed to join them

Question 3

Commonweath Immigration Act (1962)

Reaction - Immigration

Answer 3

Short term increase in immigration - Fears Britain would close its doors, so rush
1961 - 136,000 entered, first 6 months of 1962 - 95,000
Immigrants rushed to bring families - 77,000 work vouchers between 1962-1968, but over 260,000 entered Britain

Question 4

Commonweath Immigration Act (1962)

Reaction - Public

Answer 4

Popular
70% approval for tough government action in opinion polls

Question 5

Commonweath Immigration Act (1968)

Who Passed It?

Answer 5

Labour
Wilson’s government

Question 6

Commonweath Immigration Act (1968)

Key Measures

Answer 6

Restricted immigration from India, Pakistan + West Indies
‘Grandfather Clause’ - immigrants needed work voucher, job, and naturalised parent/grandparent
Prevented second phase immigration - Children allowed if under 17 + both parents in UK

Question 7

Commonweath Immigration Act (1968)

Reaction - International

Answer 7

Condemned as racist
Restricted New Commonwealth immigration, but not ‘white immigration’ from Australia, New Zealand, Canada

Question 8

Commonweath Immigration Act (1968)

Reaction - Public

Answer 8

Very popular
Estimated 72% support from public

Question 9

Immigration Act (1972)

Who Passed It?

Answer 9

Conservative
Heath’s Government

Question 10

Immigration Act (1972)

Key Measures

Answer 10

Fears of Fascist parties (National Front, 1967)
Introduced temp 12 month work permits
1972, only 2,290 immigrants entered under permit scheme - limited black + Asian immigration

Question 11

Immigration Act (1972)

Key Measures - Racial Classifications

Answer 11

Partial (born in UK or parents/grandparents were).
No restrictions on travel or residency
Non-Partial (born outside UK + parents grandparents were).
Predominantly New Commonwealth, faced strict restrictions, no right of entry, could be repatriated

Question 12

mmigration Act (1972)

Reaction - Public

Answer 12

Close to 60% approved