HC Deb 11 November 1954 vol 532 cc1390-1
28. Sir G. Lloyd

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what precautions are taken by the immigration officers of his Department to check the entry of obviously ailing persons who may be presumed to be coming here for free medical treatment, even though they offer another reason for doing so.

Major Lloyd-George

I assume that my hon. and gallant Friend is referring to the entry of foreigners, as immigration officers' powers to control entry do not apply to British subjects. Any obviously ailing foreigner who seeks leave to land in the United Kingdom is referred by the immigration officer to the medical inspector appointed under the Aliens Order, and the decision as to the grant or refusal of leave to land, or as to the terms of the conditions to be imposed, is taken by the immigration officer in the light of any certificate issued by the medical inspector, and of the results of his interrogation of the alien and of any companions travelling with him.

29. Sir G. Lloyd

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons from abroad seeking entry to this country for free medical treatment were refused permission by the immigration officers of his Department in each of the years 1949 to 1953 inclusive.

Major Lloyd-George

No separate records are kept of refusals of leave to land for this reason, but the total number is certainly small, and it is not thought that many foreigners attempt to come here solely in order to obtain free medical treatment.