HC Deb 18 October 1950 vol 478 c2021
7. Sir Waldron Smithers

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs if he will review passport regulations with a view to preventing Communist agents from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and other Communist-governed countries from visiting Britain and British Communists from visiting them.

Mr. Bevin

Applications for visas for this country from nationals of the U.S.S.R. and other Communist controlled countries are considered by the appropriate authorities, who determine in each individual case whether or not a visa shall be granted. It is within my discretion to withhold a passport from a British subject. In practice this is very rarely done. I see no reason to change these procedures.

Sir W. Smithers

When will His Majesty's Government realise the mortal danger of Communism and take their courage in both hands? It is deeds and not words that we want?

Mr. H. Hynd

Is it not desirable that as many people as possible from those countries should see our way of life?