HC Deb 04 April 1960 vol 621 cc29-30
45. Mr. Parker

asked the Prime Minister what facilities on United Kingdom or Colonial Territory have been provided for refugees from the Union of South Africa.

The Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. R. A. Butler)

I have been asked to reply.

British subjects and British protected persons are free to enter and remain in the United Kingdom. Admission to Colonial Territories is governed by the immigration legislation in force in each territory.

Mr. Parker

Arising from that Answer, may I ask whether the Government will bear in mind that both sides of the House wish to maintain the traditional right of asylum for political refugees, at least up to the standards which we gave to the refugees from Hungary and from pre-war Germany? We should apply the same standards in respect of refugees from South Africa.

Mr. Butler

I am aware of the humanity which prompts the hon. Member to put this Question. It is one of considerable complexity which is at the present moment under the active examination of my noble Friend.

Mr. Gaitskell

Will the Home Secretary give an assurance that, pending examination of the legal complexities, these two men will not be sent back to South Africa?

Mr. Butler

My hon. Friend the Minister of State for Commonwealth Relations has promised to make a statement as soon as possible about these two men, and he will do that. I undertake that the right hon. Gentleman's sentiments will be borne in mind.

Mr. C. Davies

May I put it more generally? This country has a centuries-old high tradition of affording sanctuary to anyone in danger of political persecution. Is it the Government's intention to maintain that tradition intact?

Mr. Butler

The Government's intention is to retain all our best traditions intact, but I must also draw the attention of the House to the complexity of this question, which is governed by the immigration law of particular Protectorates or Colonies. This question is a broad one relating also to Colonies, in which the jurisdiction of the courts plays a very important part. That is why I said that the matter was under very careful consideration at the moment and why my hon. Friend would make a statement upon it.

Mr. Gaitskell

Surely the Leader of the House can confirm what the Minister of State said that, pending the legal review, these two men will not foe sent back to South Africa? That is the least we can expect.

Mr. Butler

These two men are at present in the Protectorate, and I do not anticipate any other action until my hon. Friend makes his statement.

Mr. Albu

If the immigration laws of the Protectorate are the difficulty, will the Leader of the House give an assurance that these men will be brought to this country, where I do not think the same immigration law applies?

Mr. Butler

In the case of British citizens or British protected persons, which these two gentlemen will no doubt be able to claim, there will be no difficulty about entry into the United Kingdom.