HC Deb 26 July 1961 vol 645 cc427-9
Mr. Harold Davies

(by Private Notice) asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to prevent the exclusion from the United Kingdom of Mr. Wang, a political refugee from Taiwan.

The Minister of State, Home Office (Mr. David Renton)

Mr. Wang, who appears to be an officer of the Formosan Navy, arrived at London Airport yesterday afternoon, having obtained a visa for a visit to the United Kingdom in Los Angeles on 20th July. He informed the immigration officer that he wished to stay here permanently. He claimed to have left the United States as an alternative to returning to Formosa where, he said, he would be under suspicion in respect of his political opinions. The immigration officer took the view that the visa had been obtained by misrepresentation and, in the exercise of his powers under Article 1 (1) of the Aliens Order, 1953, he refused Mr. Wang leave to land.

In deference to representations by the hon. Member, I am inquiring into the circumstances of Mr. Wang's case, and, meanwhile, my right hon. Friend has authorised him to stay for 14 days. I shall communicate with the hon. Member as soon as possible.

Mr. Davies

I thank the hon. and learned Gentleman for that Answer. May I ask, in defence of Mr. Wang, whether the Minister is aware that he has passed a master's degree in mechanical engineering—it is true that he passed this degree in the United States of America while an officer of the Taiwan Navy; that he wishes to live in the free world and is not desirous of going to the Communist part of the world; that he and his wife are being trained in the Catholic faith; and that because of being harrassed both he and his wife have attempted suicide? Will the Minister therefore look carefully into this case to consider whether Mr. Wang might be given an opportunity of exercising his profession either in the United Kingdom or ultimately in the United States of America?

Mr. Renton

Those of the considerations mentioned by the hon. Gentleman which are relevant will be borne in mind.

Mr. Teeling

On a point of order, Mr. Speaker. Is it right for an hon. Gentleman to say that Roman Catholics want to commit suicide? They do not.

Mr. Speaker

I think that, by and large, the House would be well advised to pass to other business.