§ 1. Mr. Shinwellasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies what representations he has received from Dr. J. E. Martin, now resident in Guernsey, asking that he should be allowed to return to Gibraltar; and what are the obstacles which prevent Dr. Martin's return.
§ The Under-Secretary of State for the Colonies (Mr. Nigel Fisher)Dr. Martin has appealed against the Governor's decision that he cannot be given a certificate of permanent residence in Gibraltar. The grounds of his appeal are that he lived in Gibraltar prior to 1938 and that he has always intended to return there. Under the Gibraltar Immigration Ordinance the Governor-in-Council has absolute discretion to grant or refuse certificates and my right hon. Friend is not prepared to intervene in this case.
§ Mr. ShinwellIs there any criminal charge against Dr. Martin? If not, does the hon. Gentleman realise that Dr. Martin is a British subject and that Gibraltar is a British possession? Is it not somewhat anomalous that a British subject cannot reside in a British possession?
§ Mr. FisherI know of no charge at all against Dr. Martin. He was refused when he applied in 1944 because of shortage of accommodation. This continues. The total area of Gibraltar is very small and there is an acute housing shortage. Further, Dr. Martin has never practised as a doctor in Gibraltar and there are plenty of doctors there.
§ Mr. ShinwellThe hon. Gentleman has himself raised the question of engaging in medical practice in Gibraltar. Is it not absurd to tell me that, because there is a shortage of housing accommodation in Gibraltar, a British subject cannot reside there even temporarily? Is there not something strange about this?
§ Mr. FisherDr. Martin has not applied recently. If he cared to do so, there is no objection at all to temporary visits. Permanent residence there is governed a great deal by the housing shortage, and obviously must be.