HC Deb 11 June 1959 vol 606 cc1168-9
42. Mr. Osborne

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will report on his negotiations with the Commonwealth Governments for the repatriation of all Commonwealth citizens, irrespective of race, colour or creed, who are found guilty in the United Kingdom of criminal activities; and when he proposes to take the necessary action.

Mr. R. A. Butler

I regret that I am not yet in a position to add to the reply which I gave to my hon. Friend on this subject on 26th February.

Mr. Osborne

Can my right hon. Friend say what good reason there can be for not repatriating criminals irrespective of the colour of their skin? Since the overwhelming number of people in the country feel that these people should be repatriated, does not the Home Secretary think something should be done about it quickly?

Mr. Butler

I have already expressed one view in public that there would be a considerable value in having the power of deportation provided it applied to all Commonwealth citizens regardless of colour, but I do not accept that there is universal support for this. As it would be a major change in our national policy, I should expect to get general support before I proceeded further with it.

Mr. Osborne

Although my right hon. Friend says there is not universal support, surely if there is majority support a popular Government could act?

Mr. Butler

I do not anticipate legislation in this Session of Parliament, but, as this Government will undoubtedly have a long future before it in another incarnation, it might be possible to do something then.