HC Deb 26 February 1935 vol 298 cc949-50
61. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many Jewish refugees are now in prison in Palestine as illegal immigrants, and how many of these are still in prison although their sentence has been served?

The SECRETARY of STATE for the COLONIES (Sir Philip Cunliffe-Lister)

I have obtained a report dated the 23rd of February from the High Commissioner for Palestine, from which I understand that the position is as follows. At the date of the report there were 125 Jews in prison in Palestine as illegal immi grants, including those still awaiting release on bail. Including the 68 mentioned in my reply on the 18th of February, there were 87 detained in prison under the Immigration Ordinance after the expiration of their sentences, but, as will be realised from my previous reply, many of these should be released on bail within the next few days, and 18 have already been so released.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

May I ask whether it is intended to keep these people in prison indefinitely after their sentence has expired, and, if so, whether the Habeas Corpus Act applies?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I think the position is quite well known to the House. Under the Immigration Ordinance the High Commissioner has power to detain persons who are illegal immigrants until arrangements can be made for their repatriation, and the action which has been taken by the High Commissioner is not only strictly legal, but, I am sure, is necessary in order that immigration into Palestine may be kept to the right people.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Can the right hon. Gentleman tell me the date of the Ordinance, and whether the imprisonment is indefinite or is there any limit to it whatsoever?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

Speaking from memory, I think the date of the Ordinance is 1933, but, if the right hon. and gallant Gentleman will put down a question, can answer that precisely. There is no limit provided, because it must depend on how long it takes to make the arrangements referred to; but I told the right hon. and gallant Gentleman last time that the High Commissioner was always prepared to let anybody out on appropriate bail.

Mr. McENTEE

May I ask whether it is proposed to deport all these illegal refugees, or whether exceptions have been made?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I should require notice of that question.