HC Deb 05 May 1938 vol 335 cc1011-2
22. Mr. R. C. Morrison

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether his attention has been called to the case of an alien, Mario Santini, recently sentenced at Marlborough Street police court to hard labour and deportation; and, in view of the record of previous convictions for serious crimes, why Santini was not previously deported?

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Sir Samuel Hoare)

Except for a motoring offence in June, 1937, this man had no convictions till February last. Shortly after this conviction I was informed that a further charge was to be brought against him, and I postponed consideration of his case till this further charge had been heard. He was convicted of this further charge on 22nd April and sentenced to imprisonment. The court also on this occasion recommended deportation. This recommendation is now under consideration.

Mr. Morrison

Is the right hon. Gentleman aware that a good deal of apprehension has been caused among the public because of the series of convictions read out against this person when he was convicted, and that they cannot understand why he has been allowed to go on for so long?

Sir S. Hoare

I think there must have been some misunderstanding. My information is that the only conviction previous to February was a conviction for a motoring offence..

27. Mr. Fleming

asked the Home Secretary how many aliens were recommended for deportation during the year ended 30th April, 1938; and in how many cases were appropriate orders for deportation made?

Sir S. Hoare

As the answer involves a number of figures I propose, with the permission of my hon. and learned Friend, to circulate it in the OFFICIAL REPORT.

Mr. Fleming

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the number has increased or decreased?

Sir S. Hoare

I cannot say without notice.

Following is the answer:

During the year ended 30th April last, 166 aliens were recommended for deportation but in two cases the recommendation was quashed on appeal. Deportation orders were made against 94. Of the remaining 70, 16 left the country under arrangements made by themselves or on their behalf, and in one case arrangements for departure are being made; in 16 cases it was decided on merits not to make orders, in 14 it was found impossible to determine the alien's nationality and in one the alien's nationality is being investigated. Twenty-two cases have not yet been decided.