Aliens Restkictton Act.

Oral Answers to Questions — National Health Insurance. – in the House of Commons at on 13 December 1922.

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Photo of Mr Levi Collison Mr Levi Collison , Penrith and Cockermouth

32.

asked the Minister of Labour whether he is considering the extension of the operations of the Clauses in the Aliens Restriction Act expiring on 23rd December, which excludes enemy aliens from this country without special permits?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Bridge-man):

My right hon. Friend has asked me to answer this question. As I explained on the 27th ultimo in reply to a question by the hon. and learned Member for the Ealing Division (Sir H. Nield), I have full powers to exclude enemy aliens without further legislation.

Photo of Mr Levi Collison Mr Levi Collison , Penrith and Cockermouth

Is it not a fact that the increase in the number of residential aliens in this country during the past year may add to the burden of unemployment?

Photo of Mr William Bridgeman Mr William Bridgeman , Oswestry

I do not think that that is a fact, but I am trying to get the figures. The withdrawal of Clause 10 cannot make any difference so long as the powers which I have under the Order are properly administered.

Photo of Viscount  Curzon Viscount Curzon , Battersea South

Can the right hon. Gentleman give a definite assurance that when this Order is withdrawn the number of ex-enemy aliens will not increase?

Photo of Mr William Bridgeman Mr William Bridgeman , Oswestry

I cannot give an assurance of that kind because there may be ex-enemy aliens who want to come here for special purposes, schoolmasters and others, but I have assured my noble Friend again and again that I have ample powers to exclude not only ex-enemy aliens but all aliens, if he can show me cases in which they should be excluded.