HC Deb 28 February 1946 vol 419 cc2083-4
15. Mr. Piratin

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department the number of applications for permits to enter the United Kingdom made under each of the categories announced in November last, received by the appropriate office in Germany or Austria, up to 13th February, 1946; the number of permits granted under each category; the number of persons who have arrived in the United Kingdom under each category up to 13th February; the number of applications refused; and the average time taken between the receipt of the original application and arrival in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Ede

As regards persons in Germany and Austria, I would refer to the reply given on14th February to my hon. and gallant Friend the Member for Colchester (Captain C. Smith). I am not in a position to give information as to the number of applications made to passport control officers on the Continent. The number of aliens admitted to the United Kingdom up to 13th February who have been identified as having visas granted under the scheme which I announced on 13th November is 250. Classification according to the different categories has not yet been completed.

Mr. Piratin

Is the Minister aware that there is a further section to the Question which I asked, namely, the number of applications which have been refused? Can he give that information, if not now, at a later convenient date?

Mr. Ede

These applications are made to the officers who grant the visas on the Continent. I am exceedingly anxious not to impede their work by asking for a number of statistical returns. I will see if, without doing that, I can get some information which will be helpful to my hon. Friend.

Viscount Hinchingbrooke

Can the right hon. Gentleman say whether the experience he has gained justifies him in widening the scope of the scheme?

Mr. Ede

Up to the moment we have not had any great number of applications from Germany and Austria, and until I know what the effect of the scheme is in those two countries it would be unwise to contemplate widening it.

Mr. Hector Hughes

Will the Minister take steps to see that no entry is made on the identity papers of the children which will be prejudicial to their future careers?

Mr. Ede

This scheme applies not only to children, but any entries that are made must be accurate.

Mr. Piratin

Does the Minister indicate to this House that he is not responsible for the steps taken by the various officers in different countries? Are they not reporting to him so that this House might see that the decision taken in November is being fulfilled?

Mr. Ede

I did not desire to indicate that I was not responsible or that these officers were not responsible to me. I am anxious to secure that as large a number of qualified people as possible are admitted under the scheme. Calling for statistical returns involves a certain amount of work in offices and that sometimes means the regular flow of the desired persons is impeded.

20. Mrs. Ayrton Gould

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that arrangements can only be made for Germans to join relatives here through a British Consul in Germany, and that no British Consulate has yet been set up in Germany; and what arrangements he proposes to make to allow these aliens to come to this country at an early date, in accordance with the announced policy of the Government.

Mr. Ede

I would refer my hon. Friend to the statement which I made on this subject on 14th February.

Mr. Janner

Can my right hon. Friend say when he will be able to expedite the arrangements, so that people can make the necessary applications, because he knows the difficulties being caused to those who want to apply?

Mr. Ede

- I hope the appointments which have been made will have the required result.

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