HC Deb 10 November 1938 vol 341 cc281-2
25. Mr. Turton

asked the Home Secretary how many aliens left this country on the three days 26th, 27th, and 28th September; and how many of those that left this country on those three days have now returned?

Sir S. Hoare

Every day large numbers of foreign visitors come into and go out of the country. The number of aliens who left the United Kingdom on the dates mentioned was 7,719, which exceeds the normal figure by about 4,300. The information asked for in the last part of the question cannot be given, as the passenger statistics merely record the number of arrivals and departures.

Mr. Turton

Will the right hon. Gentleman refuse readmission to these alien guests, who clearly have no desire to live in the country of their adoption?

Sir S. Hoare

I must decide these matters case by case. I cannot give a general answer.

26. Mr. Turton

asked the Home Secretary how many aliens there are at present in the administrative county of London; and whether there is any restriction placed upon the movement of aliens to this area?

Sir S. Hoare

The number of aliens registered with the police in the Metropolitan Police District is 59,077 males and 60,611 females, making a total of 119,688. There is no direct restriction on the movements of aliens into this area, but if an alien wishes to come to this country to start a factory or, having recently arrived, applies for permission to remain here for such a purpose, it is the practice to ask him to give full particulars of his intended business, and to call his attention to the resolutions of the House of 12th March, 1936, and 18th November, 1936, regarding the encouragement of new industries in the older industrial centres. In appropriate cases the question of the location of his business is then considered, amongst other matters, in consultation with the Ministry of Labour and the Board of Trade.

Mr. Turton

Will my right hon. Friend consider making this vulnerable area less vulnerable by evacuating these aliens before the emergency occurs?

Sir S. Hoare

That, again, is much too general a question for me to deal with in answer to a supplementary question.

Mr. Gallacher

If it had not been for the admittance of aliens, is it not the case that many Members now on the other side would not be there?