HC Deb 03 February 1954 vol 523 cc349-51
13. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation if he is aware of the concern caused by requiring Dr. Oestreich of Germany to pay £1 1s. for guardroom and £6 at the rate of 8s. per hour for his guard when detained at London Airport; what other payments were required for services rendered; what was the total sum charged; and how much money was Dr. Oestreich allowed to retain on his enforced return to Germany.

28. Mr. J. Hynd

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation why Dr. Oestreich, a German national, who was refused admission on arrival at London Airport, was detained at the airport overnight in an unheated or badly-heated room, and was charged the sum of £8 10s. for this compulsory detention.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The room in which Dr. Oestereich was detained has an efficient heating system, thermostatically controlled at 70. A charge of £8 10s. is the inclusive rate agreed between all European airline operators at London Airport to cover their total expenses for overnight detention under escort when this is involved in the fulfilment of their obligation to return an alien to his place of origin. No information is available as to the amount of money in this passenger's possession.

Mr. Dodds

Is not this extortion with a vengeance to charge £8 10s. for 15 hours in the guard room? Does not the right hon. Gentleman appreciate that there are Government Departments spending a lot of money to impress the Germans about theBritish way of life and that in the German newspapers this incident is being splashed all over the front pages under the heading, "Democracy at 8s. an hour"? Is he aware that B.E.A. has twice denied this charge, which shows that there is some shame about it?

Mr. H. Hynd

What happens if the person detained does not have enough money to pay this charge; and, secondly, if this charge is imposed, would it not be cheaper to put the individual up at the Dorchester Hotel?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

I am sure that neither I, the Corporations nor the airlines have any desire to profiteer even at the expense of unwelcome visitors. I must point out that the best way to deal with this problem is for those likely to be sent back not to come at all. Finally, in regard to theactual sum charged, my Department made 15s. out of it, which was for the rent, heating and letting of the room, and the other charges about cover the pay required for Sunday work, which was double pay, and other incidentals which have been internationally agreed.

24. Mr. Dodds

asked the Minister of Transport and Civil Aviation, in respect of the seven Belgians, four French nationals and two Germans who sought to enter this country to attend the conference organised by the National Committee of Teachers forPeace, the total sum charged whilst they were under detention; and what services this covered.

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

A charge was made only in the case of Dr. Oestereich. In the remaining oases the travellers either returned the same day or were held on board ship overnight and no question of a charge arose.

Mr. Dodds

How is it possible that 13 people came for this conference and that one man was not only charged for the guard room, but for food and other services rendered? Did the other people who were here many hours get nothing to eat at all, and is the Minister not aware that there are many people who feel that this savours more of America than Britain? Is it not surprising that some Germans are beginning to wonder wherein our democracy lies?

Mr. Lennox-Boyd

The hon. Gentleman has almost all the facts wrong. In cases of this kind the passenger pays for any meals. In this case they either returned by sea, and were held with no charge in the ship which brought them, or immediately by air and did not thereforerequire the services of the guard.

Mr. Dodds

In view of the unsatisfactory answer that has been given, I give notice that I shall raise the matter on the Adjournment.