58. Mr. BECKETTasked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs whether, seeing that his Department two weeks ago waived an application from two Chinese citizens, Chen Kuen and Lian Hansin, at present staying in Brussels, for permission to come to this country for the purpose of meeting and discussing the Chinese situation with certain British citizens, he will explain the reason for the delay in granting the visas?
§ The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Captain Hacking)I have been asked to reply. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has decided that these men ought not to be admitted to this country, and that visas should not be granted to them.
§ Captain HACKINGNo, Sir; it is not necessary to give reasons; the discretion is in the hands of the Home Secretary.
Mr. BECKETTAre we to understand that the Cantonese Government is regarded as an unfriendly Power; and, in view of the nature of that reply, may I ask your permission, Mr. Speaker, to raise the matter on the Adjournment to-morrow night?
§ Mr. SPEAKERIt will be open to the hon. Member to raise it on the Adjournment to-morrow.