HC Deb 26 April 1934 vol 288 cc1861-2
18. Mr. MACQUISTEN

asked the Home Secretary what is the practice of his Department with regard to deporting from Great Britain undesirable natives of other States of the British Empire or Commonwealth and repatriating them to such States; and, seeing that many of these States have full power and exercise it in the case of natives of Great Britain, will he take steps to obtain equal powers in regard to this matter with all other parts of the Empire?

Sir J. GILMOUR

Under the existing law there is no power to deport a British subject from the United Kingdom. Such legislation as the hon. Member suggests would involve a change of principle in the policy of His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom which has hitherto been that no restriction should be placed on the entry or residence in the United Kingdom of any British subject.

Mr. MACQUISTEN

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a considerable number of undesirables come from some of our Mediterranean possessions and live in London on the wages of sin? Would it not be very much better that they should be deported to their own place instead of victimising English women?