HC Deb 18 March 1948 vol 448 cc2270-1
33. Mr. Driberg

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reason, and by what authority, a police officer in plain clothes, who did not produce a search warrant, visited the private lodgings of Nguyen Van Nhan, a French subject and Vietnamese citizen and Press Representative in London of the Viet-Nam Government, on Thursday, 19th February, searched his effects, removed various private papers and letters, and threatened him with deportation; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ede

I am informed that an interview took place in the course of police duty under the Aliens Order between this man and a police officer, but no search was made of his effects nor was any threat of deportation made. He freely proffered some papers for inspection, by the police, which were returned to him except one retained for the consideration of proceedings against him under the Aliens Order, 1920. That paper has since been returned to him.

Mr. Driberg

Could my right hon. Friend explain why it was necessary to take such action towards this perfectly friendly alien, who is known to a number of Members of this House as a reputable person?

Mr. Ede

Being acquainted with Members of this House is not an excuse for technical breaches of the Aliens Order.

Mr. Driberg

Could my right hon. Friend say what the technical breach was?

Mr. Ede

Yes, he had not notified his change of address, and he had taken employment without having obtained the permission of my right hon. Friend the Minister of Labour.

Mr. Driberg

Unpaid employment.

Mr. Hector Hughes

As a matter of general practice, and for the protection of the citizens, will my right hon. Friend direct police officers that when they enter houses on search warrants, they should produce their search warrants?

Mr. Ede

If a police officer enters for the purposes of search, he should produce his warrant, if challenged. No search was conducted in this case, and the officer did not go for the purpose of a search.