HC Deb 20 May 1958 vol 588 cc1084-5
20. Mrs. Castle

asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what criteria have to be satisfied before a British-protected person in Northern Rhodesia or Nyasaland can obtain a passport.

The Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. John Profumo)

Passports are issued under the Royal Prerogative exercised by the Governor of the Territory and he may at his discretion impose conditions on the grant of a passport in the light of the circumstances of each particular application.

Mrs. Castle

As passports have recently been refused to British-protected persons who wanted to attend the Asian Socialist Conference at Bombay, and to others who wanted to attend the British Labour Party Commonwealth Conference in this country last year, will the hon. Gentleman give an instruction that in future passports shall not be refused solely on the ground of the political views of the applicant?

Mr. Profumo

I cannot give the undertaking—[HON. MEMBERS: "Why not?"]—I am trying to tell the hon. Lady—because I do not accept the premise that passports are withheld solely on account of the political views of the applicant. What I will say is that there are particular instances in which security considerations may arise, and in those cases it must be left to the Governors' discretion.

Mr. J. Griffiths

Will the hon. Gentleman bear in mind that in all these Territories there is a conflict with the Communists for the minds of the people? Does not he agree that Africans should be encouraged to send delegates to democratic conferences, such as the one my hon. Friend mentioned? In refusing these passports, is not the Colonial Office showing political stupidity of the worst character?

Mr. Profumo

I am very sorry, but I cannot accept that either. The Colonial Office is not responsible for this, nor is my right hon. Friend displaying any stupidity. This is the responsibility of the Governors of the Territories concerned. I assure the House that the Governors use their discretion with the greatest regard to the national interest.

Mrs. Castle

Can the hon. Gentleman tell us what issue of security arose in connection with applications to visit the Labour Party Commonwealth Conference in this country last year?

Mr. Profumo

No, Sir. I did not say that issues of security arose in any particular case. What I said, and I think that it was quite clear, was that people are not refused passports merely for their political allegiances, but security does enter some cases. If the hon. Lady would like to ask about any particular issue, I shall be only too glad to try to answer her.