HC Deb 31 May 1921 vol 142 cc819-21
36. Sir F. HALL

asked the Home Secretary what is the number of aliens at present resident in this country who are suspected of being concerned in the numerous Communist plots which have recently come to light; if he will state why these undesirable persons have not been deported; what is the number of aliens who were sent out of the country in the 12 months to 30th April, 1921 and if he will publish a statement from time to time giving particulars of the persons so expelled, in order that the public may be enlightened as to the prominent part played by these aliens in the Sinn Fein and Communist conspiracy as well as in the industrial troubles that have originated in those movements?

Mr. SHORTT

It is impossible to say how many aliens are associated with the Communist movement in this country. If any alien commits or incites to the commission of an offence against the State or public order, I should not hesitate to deport him if his removal to his own country is practicable. Up to the present one alien has been convicted—on 12th April last—of such an offence, and I shall deal with the question of his deportation at the end of his sentence. Many persons bearing alien names are, however, British subjects, and cannot be deported. The total number of deportation Orders made against alien for all causes during the year ending 30th April was 533. I do not think the publication suggested in the last part of the question would serve the object the hon. and gallant Member has in view.

Sir F. HALL

If the right hon. Gentleman's Department have this matter clearly before them, have particular instructions been given with regard to those aliens who can be traced in any way as having, or are suspected of having, any connection with these outbreaks, and will steps be taken at once in order that they may be deported?

Mr. SHORTT

I have said that is being done.

Colonel C. LOWTHER

In the event of it not being practicable to deport an alien to his own country, could he not be interned for the moment in this country?

Mr. SHORTT

We have no internment camps.

Colonel C. LOWTHER

Cannot we have them? In the case of undesirable aliens the right hon. Gentleman has the power to revoke their certificates of naturalisation.

Mr. SHORTT

I am not talking of naturalised aliens; I am talking of British-born British subjects.

Mr. J. JONES

Whatever action he takes, will he undertake that it will also apply to counter-revolutionary agents in this country from other countries?

Mr. SHORTT

I think that would be a question for Parliament.