HC Deb 26 July 1951 vol 491 cc633-4
26. Miss Ward

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is proposing to take, having regard to the need to protect the security of this country, with regard to the 12 members of the crew of the Polish ship "Batory," now in the Tyne, who are asking for asylum in this country as refugees from the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics.

Mr. Ede

The men in question, eight in number, did not return to their ship before she left the Tyne on 3rd July. They subsequently gave themselves up to the police, and were detained in custody while security checks wehe carried out. These checks disclosed nothing of interest, and since it was clear that the men would incur drastic punishment if they were required to return to Poland, I have decided to allow them to remain in this country.