HC Deb 18 May 1933 vol 278 cc500-1
8. Mr. COCKS

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why Hans Altmann, a German subject, was refused permission to land by the immigration officer at Harwich on 16th March, seeing that he informed the authorities that he had no intention of looking for work, that he had friends in London who had offered him hospitality, name and address given, and that he had a well-to-do relative in one of the British Dominions who would be arriving in London in May; whether he is aware that this German refugee, after being refused to land, was escorted back on board ship, kept in a locked cabin during the stay of the ship in Harwich, and then forced to return to Flushing at his own expense; and whether he will make an investigation into the matter with a view to giving this man permission to land?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Sir John Gilmour)

Hans Altmann was refused leave to land on the 16th March because he was unable to satisfy the immigration officer that he was in a position to support himself during his intended stay of from two to three months until the arrival of his uncle from South Africa and he had no evidence that he would be maintained in the meanwhile by friends. On his being refused leave to land, he was taken back to the ship and placed in the charge of the appropriate ship's officer. I have no information as to his treatment on board by the shipping company, but an obligation rests on the company in such a case to prevent the alien from landing and to remove him from the United Kingdom. There appear to be no circumstances which would have justified the grant of exceptional facilities to this man.

Mr. COCKS

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that this man is a Jewish writer fleeing from persecution in Germany, that he was invited by friends in London to come here as their guest, that he gave their name and address, and that he had no intention of seeking work here? Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that the man was told to find 200 marks, and that it was essential that that sum of money should be found before he was allowed to land?

Sir J. GILMOUR

I have stated that there was no evidence that he would be maintained by his friends.