HC Deb 22 June 1936 vol 313 cc1404-5
48. Miss WILKINSON

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether in granting permits to enter this country to Germans known to be supporters of the present regime, the same care is taken in regard to their not taking part in any propaganda in Great Britain, and to seeing that any promise is observed, as is shown by his Department in regard to refugees from German Fascism?

The UNDER-SECRETARY of STATE for the HOME DEPARTMENT (Mr. Lloyd)

It is not the practice to interrogate foreign visitors about their political opinions any more than about their religious beliefs. If His Majesty's Government have reason to suppose that a foreigner's object in coming to this country is to promote disorder or engage in unlawful or unconstitutional activities, that would be considered ground for refusal of admission. In administering this policy there is no discrimination between the opponents and supporters of German National Socialism.

Miss WILKINSON

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that his Department has supplied him with an answer to that question which is just simply not true?

Mr. SPEAKER

That is not the way to treat an answer to a question.

Mr. LLOYD

I think the hon. Lady is under a genuine misapprehension, arising probably from the fact that in' a particular case in which she is interested there was volunteered on behalf of the alien a statement in regard to such matters. It was not demanded by the Home Office.

Miss WILKINSON

Surely the Home Office is aware that its Aliens Office is repeatedly asking people whether they are Communists and no one asks whether they are Fascists. When we get such bodies as the Anglo-German Club, which is openly carrying on Fascist propaganda, what is the good of making answers like that?

Mr. BERNAYS

Is it not a fact that it was the Labour party that refused admission to Trotsky?