§ 56. Mr. Rileyasked the Home Secretary the number of political or other refugees who have arrived at British ports since 1st May, 1938, and the number of such refugees who have been refused permission to land?
§ Sir S. HoareLarge numbers of persons holding German and Austrian passports come into this country every week. The great majority of these are visitors who go out again after a few days or a few weeks, and it is not possible until some time has elapsed to compile figures showing how many of those entering the country in a particular month are refugees and will wish to stay in this country. I would refer the hon. Member to the reply which I gave on the subject to the hon. and learned Member for Greenock (Mr. Gibson) on 28th April. As regards the last part of the question, the number of passengers holding German and Austrian passports who have been refused leave to land between 1st May and 19th June is 29 and 4 respectively.
§ Sir S. HoareI do not think any Home Secretary ever gives details of the refusal of passports of that kind, but I can tell the hon. Gentleman that they were not refugees.
§ Mr. LeachHave any of the political refugees been referred to Spen Valley, where there is a place open?