Oral Answers to Questions — Stowaways

– in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 25 January 1951.

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Photo of Mr Ronald Russell Mr Ronald Russell , Wembley South 12:00, 25 January 1951

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent powers are possessed by the Government to return to their own country colonial citizens who arrived in this country as stowaways.

Photo of Mr James Ede Mr James Ede , South Shields

There is no power to refuse admission to this country or to return to their own country persons who on arrival in this country can produce satisfactory evidence that they are British subjects.

Photo of Mr Ronald Russell Mr Ronald Russell , Wembley South

In view of the fact that a certain number have arrived in that way recently, can steps be taken to detain these persons by arrangement with the Colonies, so that stowing away will be made more difficult?

Photo of Mr James Ede Mr James Ede , South Shields

I am in constant touch with the Secretary of State for the Colonies about this problem. Certain preventive measures have been taken, and more are contemplated.