HC Deb 23 January 1962 vol 652 cc48-9
Mr. Stonehouse (by Private Notice)

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will admit into this country Mr. Aires Braganza, an Indian subject and citizen of the Commonwealth, formerly of Goa, who is now detained at London Airport.

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

This is a case which presents some difficulties, but after reviewing all the circumstances my right hon. Friend has decided to give instructions that Mr. Braganza should be allowed to enter the country.

Mr. Stonehouse

May I ask how it was that this arose in the way it did on Sunday, namely, that the immigration officials at London Airport refused admittance to this man although he was carrying a valid Indian passport?

Mr. Renton

The doubt arose because the last time he was here he carried a Portuguese passport. He came here as a student. He did not study and was eventually asked to leave the country.

Mr. Brockway

How was it that this man, carrying Indian documents, was permitted to leave London Airport, was allowed to enter a West German port, and, when he came back from there, was refused admission to this country? How could such a thing possibly have occurred?

Mr. Renton

I am not aware of all the facts which the hon. Gentleman mentions, but now that he has referred to them I will consider the matter.

Mr. Stonehouse

If the hon. and learned Gentleman is not aware of all these facts, why does he make such facetious remarks to the House?

Mr. Renton

The decision which has been made has been made on the facts as known to us. The hon. Member for Eton and Slough (Mr. Brockway) has produced some further facts which do not alter the present decision.