§ Mr. Stan Thorne (Preston)I beg to ask leave to move the Adjournment of the House, under Standing Order No. 10, for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that should have urgent consideration, namely,
the proposed deportation of Bella Magalone.This is the case of a defenceless woman, rather than a shipbuilding industry, but, nevertheless, it merits the attention of the House.Miss Magalone arrived in the United Kingdom 10 years ago. She overstayed, she was badly advised about immigration rules by a rather unscrupulous gentleman and she subsequently settled in Preston. She has been employed for some years at the Royal Preston hospital as an auxiliary nurse. The senior nursing officer there has written to me giving a high recommendation of Miss Magalone. She is active in St. John Ambulance and in the Catholic community in Preston, and is highly regarded there.
I appealed to the Minister of State, Home Office for compassion in this case. Miss Magalone is 30 years old. If she returns to the Philipines, she will undoubtedly end up living in a boat. In spite of the background to the case, after 10 years in the United Kingdom, in which time she has proved herself an admirable citizen, Miss Magalone should be allowed to remain. As the Minister of State has not given a favourable decision, which I think is deplorable, the matter warrants the attention of the House.
§ Mr. SpeakerThe hon. Gentleman asks leave to move the Adjournment of the House for the purpose of discussing a specific and important matter that he thinks should have urgent consideration, namely,
the proposed deportation of Bella Magalone.I have listened carefully to what the hon. Member has said, but I regret that I do not consider that the matter that he has raised is appropriate for discussion under Standing Order No. 10. I cannot, therefore, submit his application to the House.