§ 19. Mr. CLARRYasked the Home Secretary the number of political refugees in this country; and whether any condition is imposed and enforced that they shall take no part in political activities of any sort while accepting the asylum of this country?
§ Sir J. GILMOURIt is impossible to ascertain how many of the foreign visitors who come here for varying periods and give various reasons for their coming may have been influenced to a greater or lesser degree by political considerations, and it is not the practice to ask such visitors 1317 to abstain from political activities. If, however, an alien abuses the hospitality of this country by engaging in subversive or other undesirable activities, I should certainly consider the question of his removal from the country.
§ Mr. CLARRYWould it not be a reasonable condition to impose on visitors whom the right hon. Gentleman thought might be liable to take part in subversive activities?
§ 21. Mr. LYONSasked the Home Secretary how many foreign political organisations, or organisations supporting foreign political systems, are known to exist in this country; and whether he will take immediate steps to close them down?
§ Sir J. GILMOURIn this free country there are no doubt many organisations of the kind referred to by my hon. and learned Friend, though it is not certain whether all, or any, of them would describe themselves in these terms. The activities of such organisations are kept under review by the responsible authorities, and appropriate action would be taken should occasion arise.
§ Mr. RHYS DAVIESIs not Toryism itself of foreign origin?
§ 23. Colonel WEDGWOODasked the Home Secretary whether Dr. Dora Fabian was threatened by the police with deportation?
§ Sir J. GILMOURNo, Sir. Dr. Fabian came to this country in September, 1933, for a visit, and was first granted an extension of her stay till November, 1933. She then applied for and was granted a six-months prolongation to the 31st May. No communication was subsequently received from her or on her behalf up to the time of her death, and at no time was she asked to leave the country or threatened with deportation.
§ 25. Mr. MABANEasked the Home Secretary whether he has any statement to make as to the attitude of his Department with regard to the operations in this country of C. Artner and P. Lewinsky, as a result of the investigations conducted by his Department?
§ Sir J. GILMOURThe result of the investigations made by the Home Office 1318 in this case, and the action which has been taken, have been explained to the hon. Member in the letter which has been written to him by my hon. Friend the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State.
§ Mr. MABANECan the Home Secretary say whether there are any special reasons for allowing these aliens to work in this country? Owing to the nature of the reply, I beg to give notice that I shall raise this matter on the Adjournment at an early date.