HC Deb 23 June 1938 vol 337 cc1251-3

The following Question stood upon the Order Paper:

39. Lieut.-Colonel Sir Thomas Moore

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what has been the approximate number of aliens who have been refused entry to this country during the current year; how many applications he has received for aliens to visit this country for the proposed godless conference; and how many of these he has refused?

Mr. Gallacher

I want to ask, Mr. Speaker, whether it is in Order for an hon. Member to put down a question which, obviously, refers to a congress of free thinkers in London, and to use language which cannot be anything but offensive to the religious views of many people in this country?

Mr. Speaker

If there is any reference to religious views in the question which would hurt the feelings of anybody, it would be very objectionable.

Sir T. Moore

May I point out that there is nothing in the question which suggests any interference with anyone's religious beliefs?

Mr. Herbert Morrison

I understand that the people who are holding this conference do not describe it as a godless conference. It is a conference of free thinkers, and in that case is it right that there should creep into a question in this House what really is a term of abuse?

Mr. Speaker

I have already stated my views.

Sir S. Hoare

The answer to the question is that the number of aliens refused leave to land in this country for the five months ended 31st May was 688. As regards the second part of the question, I have nothing to add to the reply which I gave on 7th April to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for the Peebles and Southern Division (Captain Ramsay).

Sir T. Moore

Will the right hon. Gentleman consider seeking powers from this House to enable him to refuse entry to the people attending this conference, in view of the very strong feeling that has been shown by many sections of the community on this subject?

Sir S. Hoare

I have already answered several questions in that connection and I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answers I have given.

Mr. Riley

May I ask whether the figures the Home Secretary gave include any refugees?

Sir S. Hoare

As far as I know we have refused scarcely any refugees. The figures relate to aliens generally.

Mr. Gallacher

Is the right hon. Gentleman not aware that a conference of free thinkers was held in Glasgow three weeks ago and did not seem to give offence to anyone?

Mr. Thurtle

Will the Home Secretary agree that there is no reason at all why we should refuse admission to any alien to this country for the purpose of attending this perfectly legal and proper conference?

Sir S. Hoare

I have already answered numberless questions on this subject. I have made my position quite clear, and I have nothing to add to what I have said.