THE HAGUE, 17/10/03 - Imposing a limit on the number of immigrants settling in a particular area of town amounts to discrimination. The Dutch constitution forbids such policies, which are also in breach of international treaties, the ministers Verdonk (Integration), Dekker (Housing) and Remkes (Home Affairs) wrote to the Lower House yesterday.

Race, ethnic descent or nationality may not form a direct criterion of distinction, the ministers reported. This means that these factors alone, may not be taken into account during the allocation of housing. Distinctions are permitted based on income or language requirements that apply more to particular population groups than to others, but only if there is a valid reason for doing so. As well, the means must stand in proportion to the end, the letter states.

The government sees more in "A broad policy on social problems of integration, liveability, security, good education and the supply of employment via suitable routes" as a solution to the division between natives and immigrants in the large cities. They ministers did not however announce any concrete measures.

Pim Fortuyn List (LPF) MP Nawijn had asked the ministers for their views with reference to Rotterdam's plans to spread immigrants across the city. The city's largest party, Liveable Rotterdam, even pleaded to put a stop to accepting immigrants altogether. Although this seems legally unfeasible, a survey revealed that a majority of Rotterdammers back this idea. Rotterdam municipality will shortly present plans on the distribution of immigrants.