HC Deb 22 December 1938 vol 342 cc3082-4
51. Mr. Lathan

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the delays consequent on the existing arrangements for the immigration of adults from Germany, he will institute an inquiry into the possibility of organising closed areas, similar to Ellis Island in the United States, to which refugees might have recourse, pending any appeals as to their claims or any communication with their friends in this country?

Sir S. Hoare

Such examination as I have been able to make of the practical working of the arrangements for the admission of selected refugees to this country does not suggest that anything would be gained by instituting such a system as the hon. Member suggests. The system by which a German seeking admission to this country must first obtain a visa from a British Consulate was instituted in order to avoid the difficulties which would inevitably arise if persons were to arrive at our ports before the question whether they could be admitted under the arrangements for refugees had been considered; and I should deprecate any arrangement which would encourage people to come to a United Kingdom port on the chance of securing admission and which would involve detaining them under some form of custody while their applications are being considered, and ultimately sending back those whose applications could not be accepted.

Mr. Paling

Did not the Home Secretary promise some time ago to look into the matter with a view to expediting it? In view of the fact that there are tremendously long delays before people get over here, can we have an assurance that the position is likely to be better in the next few weeks so that people can get away in a reasonably short time?

Sir S. Hoare

Perhaps the hon. Member did not hear the reply which I gave on this subject a few minutes ago.

Miss Rathbone

Will the right hon. Gentleman not reconsider the matter with a view to seeing whether some arrangement could be made equivalent, perhaps, to Ellis Island, but limited by granting some sort of temporary permission from Germany? Is he aware that hundreds of refugees have finally been compelled to commit suicide?

74. Mr. Noel-Baker

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies whether His Majesty's Government have yet prepared plans for the settlement of refugees in Tanganyika?

The Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Malcolm MacDonald)

The Government of Tanganyika have ordered surveys to be carried out of the areas which offer the best possibility of settlement, and I am awaiting the results of those surveys. It will necessarily be some little time before the reports are received. As soon as those reports are available, the voluntary refugee organisations will be invited to send representatives to inspect any areas which the Governor may suggest for examination.

Mr. R. Gibson

Has the right hon. Gentleman considered whether it would be advisable that no refugees from Germany should be settled in Tanganyika?

Mr. MacDonald

That is another matter altogether.