§ 7. Mr. H. Hyndasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now extend the degrees of relationship governing the admission of immigrants from Austria and Germany.
§ Mr. EdeI recently reviewed the working of the scheme for the admission of distressed relatives to this country and I am satisfied that no general extension of the degrees of relationship would be justified. I will continue the policy of granting applications in respect of relatives outside the existing classes where there are special circumstances which seem to me to justify exceptional treatment.
§ Mr. HyndIs my right hon. Friend aware that officials at the Home Office apply the regulations very rigidly indeed, and as there are many tragic cases which have been waiting for several years would he not consider some extension of the degrees of relationship?
§ Mr. EdeThe record of this country in dealing with this matter is second to none throughout the world. If I granted all the applications that I receive nothing but the accommodation of ships and aeroplanes would limit the number of people who would come to this country. I consider every exceptional case on its merits, and where there is any doubt about the matter it is submitted to me before a decision is announced.