British Immigration Policy Since 1939

This is the first survey of British immigration policy to include both its pre-World War Two origins and its development after the crucial 1962 Commonwealth Immigrants Act. It is an accessible introduction to a subject of increasing popularity with students and academics. It also integrates the results of extensive archival research. Offering a different perspective to sociological approaches, British Immigration Policy since 1939 will be of interest to historians, political scientists, and those studying public and social policy.

Ian R.G. Spencer is an independent consultant working in education and equal opportunities. He is the former Head of History, De Montfort University, Leicester.

Preface 1 The origins of multi-racial Britain; A twentieth-century story; The first settled communities, 1850-1939; Government policy and the growth of communities, 1919-39; The Second World War 2 Immigration policy in practice, 1945-55 3 The making of policy, 1945-55 4 Policy and practice under strain, 1955-62 5 The making of multi-racial Britain, 1962-91 Conclusion