§ MR. KEIR HARDIE (Merthyr Tydvil)On behalf of the hon. Member for Leicester (Mr. RAMSEY MACDONALD) I beg to ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been drawn to the ease of Alexander Ouix, a Russian non-commissioned officer and social democrat, who was refused permission under The Aliens Act, 1905, to land at Harwich on the 12th instant, because he was not considered to have proved that he sought admission to this country solely to avoid prosecution on political grounds, although two companions gave evidence to his escape from Russia for these reasons; and whether, in view of this and similar cases, he will consider the amendment of the Act so that the right of political asylum may be maintained.
§ THE SECRETARY OF STATE FOR THE HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. HERBERT GLADSTONE,) Leeds, W.I have caused special inquiry to be made into all the circumstances of this case. I am informed that the immigrant had only one companion, that they came by ship from Denmark, and that no statement to the effect suggested in the question was made to the immigration officer or the interpreter. In the written statements of particulars signed by the immigrants the occupation of both was given as "workers," and the last permanent place of abode of the immigrant whose name was given as Ouix was stated to be Copenhagen. Ouix did not appeal to the Board, but returned at once to Denmark. I am confident that the immigration officials are doing their utmost to administer the Act in accordance with the intentions of Parliament as regards political refugees.
§ MR. CROOKS (Woolwich)Was this immigrant aware that he had a right of appeal?
§ MR. HERBERT GLADSTONEThat fact appears on the papers.
§ SIR W. EVANS GORDONAnd is it not laid down in the regulations that both the immigrants and the masters of ships shall be informed that they have a right of appeal?
§ MR. HERBERT GLADSTONEYes.
§ MR. CROOKSIn what language?
§ MR. HERBERT GLADSTONEIn the British language.
§ MR. CROOKSOh! that accounts for it.