HC Deb 14 November 1957 vol 577 cc1131-3
32. Mr. E. Johnson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will arrange for immigration officials to board cross-channel passenger ships at the continental port of embarkation and

hon. and gallant Friend, but it does really depend on circumstances.

Mr. S. Silverman

While thanking the right hon. Gentleman for an answer that one hopes will serve to put this matter into proper perspective—[Interruption.]—surely it will—will he confirm that, between the date when the House of Commons passed the Second Reading of the Death Penalty Abolition Bill and the date on which the Homicide Act became law, the death penalty was, in fact, in practice in suspension, and that the effect of the Homicide Act was not to abolish the death penalty but partly to restore it; and secondly, that the discriminations in the Homicide Act that the public find so very difficult to understand are the responsibility of the Government and not of the House of Commons, which had wished not to make any discriminations at all?

Mr. Butler

I cannot deny that there are discriminations in the Homicide Act, and anyone having to interpret it must realise that. As regards the alleged suspension of the death penalty, I can only say that the Secretary of State of the day—not only myself—was placed in a very difficult position and, for reasons which this House knows, there was what amounted to a virtual suspension for that time.

Following is the table:

to check passengers' passports during the journey.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I hope to be able to introduce this arrangement next season on the car-ferry service into Dover. The position in regard to the other cross-Channel services cannot conveniently be set out within the compass of a Parliamentary Answer, and I am writing to my hon. Friend giving him full details. I may say, however, that on-passage examination of the passports of foreign travellers is already in operation on some of the main services.

Mr. Johnson

Would not my right hon. Friend agree that a concession of this kind would save travellers a very great deal of time and would be much appreciated? Would he further agree that more difficulties are put in the way of foreign visitors trying to enter this country than almost any other country in Western Europe?

Mr. Butler

I hoped that I had helped my hon. Friend by making a concession on the Dover car-ferry service. I hope to follow that up later elsewhere.

Back to