HC Deb 01 December 1955 vol 546 cc2504-6
44. Mr. F. Noel-Baker

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what grounds his officials grant or refuse residence permits to aliens wishing to reside in the United Kingdom.

Major Lloyd-George

Aliens are not normally admitted to this country to reside but some who have been admitted temporarily in the first instance are subsequently allowed to remain. Such cases are dealt with on their individual merits.

Mr. Noel-Baker

Does the Home Secretary not think that in modern conditions he is taking an unnecessarily old-fashioned view of this problem?

Major Lloyd-George

I remind the hon. Member that this is not a country of immigration and settlement. I think we can say that we have certainly done our share in the question of refugees from Europe.

Mr. M. Lindsay

Is my right hon. and gallant Friend aware that many of us who have had constituency cases of this nature have found the Home Office extremely reasonable?