§ 11. Mr. SAKLATVALAasked the Home Secretary whether Miss Alma Ewert, a German fraternal delegate to women's demonstrations in this country, who was refused permission to land at Harwich on Friday, the 8th instant, was prevented by his order; and what were the grounds for this refusal?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSYes, Sir. I did not think it desirable in the interests of this country that this alien should be given leave to land.
§ Mr. SAKLATVALAWill the right hon. Gentleman kindly answer the second part of my question? Is it simply a personal idea that it is not desirable to introduce any alien, or has the right hon. Gentleman any specific reason or report that this particular alien woman was dangerous to the State?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThe hon. Member has asked me what were the grounds on which I acted. The grounds were that, in my opinion and with the knowledge in my possession, I did not think it was desirable that leave should be given to this alien to come into this country.
§ Mr. WEDGWOOD BENNIs there anything in the Act of Parliament that prevents the Home Secretary telling the House on what grounds he acted, instead of simply giving us casual remarks about it not being desirable that this woman should enter the country?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSThere is nothing in the Act of Parliament which either prevents me giving or compels me to give the grounds of my action.
§ Mr. TAYLORWas the right hon. Gentleman's ground for refusal political?
§ Sir W. JOYNSON-HICKSI have answered the question, and I do not propose to give any further answer.