§ 15. Mr. Swinglerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies if he will grant political asylum in the British Cameroons to refugees, other than prohibited immigrants, from the French Cameroons who have committed no criminal offence.
§ Mr. J. AmeryRequests for political asylum have been granted in the past. I am sure that any future requests will be considered on their merits.
§ Mr. SwinglerIs the hon. Gentleman sure that this is the situation? Is he aware of reports that a number of those coming from the French Cameroons owing to the turbulent situation there are now imprisoned and detained or are the subject of deportation orders? Can he give a categorical assurance that those who are genuine political refugees from the French Cameroons are being granted asylum?
§ Mr. AmeryPolitical asylum has been granted in several cases in the comparatively recent past to genuine political 1630 refugees, and I am sure that any future requests for asylum will be considered on their merits.
§ Mr. BrockwayAs the French Cameroons are to receive their independence on 1st January, would the Under-Secretary's Department use its influence to secure an amnesty in the French Cameroons to celebrate that event?