HC Deb 18 November 1946 vol 430 cc494-5
10. Mr. Francis Noel-Baker

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs why Spanish Republican refugees at Camp 4, Baynoli, near Naples, have been told that they are to be repatriated to Spain; and whether those with families in the United Kingdom will be permitted to join their relatives here.

Mr. Mayhew

I have no knowledge of the alleged incident, but am making inquiries. The admission of aliens into the United Kingdom is a matter for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Will the hon. Gentleman get into touch with his right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, and try to persuade him to adopt a more liberal policy towards those democratic victims of Spanish Fascism?

Mr. Sydney Silverman

Having regard to the similarity of what is complained of in this Question to what happened recently in Gibraltar, will the hon. Gentleman assure the House that it is no part of a concerted policy to drive these political refugees back to Spain, where they would be murdered?

Mr. Mayhew

That is a very much wider question, and, possibly, I could have an opportunity of giving a reasoned reply another time.

Mr. Silverman

Surely, the hon. Gentleman is not saying that this is a wider question, when I ask him if there is a concerted policy to that effect or not?