HC Deb 25 February 1943 vol 387 cc284-5
22. Commander Locker-Lampson

asked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the plight of Jewry at this moment in the conquered countries, he will remove all restrictions relating to the entry of alien Jews into this country and, in particular, facilitate the entry of elderly relatives of Jewish refugees already here?

Mr. H. Morrison

I would refer my hon. and gallant Friend to the answer given yesterday by my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary to four Questions relating to the plight of Jews in Occupied Europe.

Commander Locker-Lampson

Will the right hon. Gentleman receive a deputation on this matter?

Mr. Morrison

I hardly think that is necessary, because Ministers received an important deputation quite recently.

Mr. Cocks

Does my right hon. Friend realise that when the House of Commons stood as a mark of sympathy in connection with this matter it was not intended as a signal for the Government that they should stand still and do nothing?

Miss Rathbone

Is it not the case that even if restrictions were removed only a few hundred refugees at least would be able, owing to shipping difficulties, to reach this country, so that they could not possibly be an embarrassment? Is not the extreme rigidity of the present restrictions a bad example to other countries?

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