HC Deb 27 February 1935 vol 298 cc1108-9
15. Colonel WEDGWOOD

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies under what law persons are retained in prison in Palestine after their sentence has expired; and whether any applications under the Habeas Corpus Act have been made from Palestine.

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

Section 10 of the Palestine Immigration Ordinance provides that any person against whom an order for deportation has been made, whether consequent upon a sentence of imprisonment or not, may be kept in custody, while awaiting deportation, in such manner as the High Commissioner may direct. I have no knowledge of any applications for a writ of Habeas Corpus.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Can the right hon. Gentleman give me the date of that ordinance?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

The date of the ordinance is 1933, but that is a consolidating ordinance. The provision relating to illegal immigration is in the ordinance of, I think, 1928 or 1929.

Colonel WEDGWOOD

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether there are similar ordinances in. other colonies?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I cannot possibly without notice.

Mr. JANNER

Will the right hon. Gentleman recommend that those who are being detained should be allowed out on bail in a similar manner to that which is allowed in this country, the bail being merely sufficient to ensure that the people should be found as and when required?

Sir P. CUNLIFFE-LISTER

I have given several answers on this matter in which I have explained exactly the arrangements about bail which the High Commissioner has enforced. I have complete confidence in the High Commissioner to do whatever is right.