HC Deb 31 October 1957 vol 575 cc385-6
37. Mr. Benn

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies on what date the Aden Government decided that Mohamed Abdo Noman was an alien; in what form this decision was published; and under what powers the decision was made.

Mr. Profumo

Mr. Noman is not, and never was, a British subject. He formerly held a British passport, although not entitled to one and, when it expired, it was not renewed.

Mr. Benn

In that case, can the Minister explain how it was that in 1945, a long time before this passport was issued, this man was granted a certificate that he was a British scholar by the Government of Aden and was subsequently issued with a British passport, a photostat copy of which I have? Is there not an obligation on the Government to provide some explanation as to haw it was that an alien was provided with a passport?

Mr. Profumo

I think it is wise to provide an explanation. Mr. Noman falsely stated that he was a British subject, born in Aden.