Immigrants from Commonwealth

Oral Answers to Questions — Home Department – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 28 February 1957.

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Photo of Mr Norman Pannell Mr Norman Pannell , Liverpool Kirkdale 12:00, 28 February 1957

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to the conviction in the Liverpool Crown Court on 16th January, 1957, of a Nigerian named John Atiti for his third offence of keeping a brothel and to the comment of the recorder that he had no power to deport Atiti, although a British subject could be deported from Nigeria for misbehaviour; and whether he will consider an amendment of the law to permit the deportation from this country of any immigrant who is guilty of grave misdemeanours.

Photo of Mr R.A. Butler Mr R.A. Butler , Saffron Walden

As at present advised, I do not think the mischief is sufficiently widespread to justify me in proposing legislation which would be controversial and would raise wide issues.

Photo of Mr Norman Pannell Mr Norman Pannell , Liverpool Kirkdale

Is my right hon. Friend aware that the United Kingdom is the only country in the Commonwealth which adopts this non-iscriminatory attitude towards immigrants from other Commonwealth countries? Does he not think that, while preserving the right of all law-abiding Commonwealth citizens freely to enter this country, we should refuse entry to those with criminal records and repatriate those who gravely infringe the laws of this country? Will he re-examine the matter in the interests of law and order in this country?

Photo of Mr R.A. Butler Mr R.A. Butler , Saffron Walden

The first part of my hon. Friend's supplementary question is not raised in his original Question, and I should be glad to answer him on that if he would put it down, when I can discuss it with him. As regards deportation, I have ascertained that there is no evidence that large numbers of British immigrants are guilty of such grave offences as to justify deportation. It is very important, in the office which I hold, to maintain liberty of the subject for British citizens, and while I am ready to listen to any representations, I have to weigh the balance very carefully.

Photo of Mr Kenneth Younger Mr Kenneth Younger , Grimsby

Is the Home Secretary aware that in the view of almost everybody in the House he should preserve the strongest possible prejudice against altering the relationship between this country and the rest of the Commonwealth? It would be a very serious departure if for any reason it should be necessary to take action of the kind suggested.

Photo of Mr Norman Pannell Mr Norman Pannell , Liverpool Kirkdale

On a point of order. I beg to give notice that, in view of the unsatisfactory situation disclosed by the reply, I shall take the earliest opportunity of raising the matter on the Adjournment.