§ 19. Mr. N. Pannellasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, in view of the large number of convictions at magistrates' courts, and in particular the Thames Magistrates' Court, in 1956, for living on immoral earnings, involving Maltese, he will consider the introduction of legislation to permit the deportation of this type of offender coming from Commonwealth and colonial countries.
§ Mr. R. A. ButlerThese figures give cause for concern, but I do not find in them sufficient justification for departing from the view I expressed on 28th February last to my hon. Friend's Question.
§ Mr. PannellIs my right hon. Friend aware that of 35 persons convicted at Thames Magistrates' Court in 1956 of living on immoral earnings, no fewer than 27 were Maltese? Is he aware that colonial immigrants are responsible for a disproportionate number of these crimes all over the country and that the most effective means of combating this most serious social menace is to introduce deportation?
§ Mr. ButlerWe are aware of the position in respect of Maltese at the Thames Magistrates' Court, but we are also aware of the long-standing British tradition in regard to the deportation of British subjects. As at present advised, although I understand my hon. Friend's anxiety, I am not prepared to depart from that long tradition.