HC Deb 28 January 1948 vol 446 cc1016-7
74. Mr. T. Reid

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what steps have been taken against the owners of ships carrying illegal immigrants to Palestine.

Mr. Creech Jones

The only action that has been possible, is to institute proceedings for The forfeiture of the ships, and this is done in all appropriate cases.

Mr. Pickthorn

Will the right hon. Gentleman indicate what are the factors that make any particular cases inappropriate?

Mr. Creech Jones

I should like to have notice of that question.

Mr. Mikardo

Would my right hon. Friend say what action is taken about illegal immigrants, mostly from other Arab countries, who are crossing the land frontiers of Palestine?

Mr. Creech Jones

There are the same restrictions as in regard to Jewish illegal immigrants.

Mr. C. S. Taylor

Could the right hon. Gentleman say in how many cases successful action has been taken to control these ships?

Mr. Creech Jones

I should require notice of that.

Mr. S. Silverman

Having regard to the fact that the mandate, under whose purported authority the restrictions on immigration stake place, is to come to an end within a few weeks, is there any point in making a great fuss about illegal immigrants now?

Major Beamish

Will the right hon. Gentleman say what is an appropriate case if he cannot say what an inappropriate case is?