§ 25. Mr. D. Footasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies why Mr. Michael Harmel has been declared a prohibited immigrant in Bechuanaland.
§ Mr. FisherMr. Michael Harmel was declared a prohibited immigrant under Section 8, paragraph (1), subsection (i), of the Immigration Proclamation on the grounds that he is a person whose presence in the Territory is deemed by the Resident Commissioner, on the advice of his Executive Council, to be or likely to be prejudicial to the peace, order and good government of the Territory or of the people living therein.
§ Mr. FootWas Mr. Harmel at any time told the actual reasons why he would be declared a prohibited immigrant, was he given any chance to make reply, or is this procedure wholly arbitrary?
§ Mr. FisherHe was told what conditions he must observe if he wished to stay in Bechuanaland, and he did not wish to observe them.
§ Mrs. CastleIs not the hon. Gentleman aware that Mr. Harmel was given a temporary residence permit despite the fact that he had not been willing to sign these conditions, that the permit was not due to expire until 31st July, and that since then quite arbitrarily it has been cancelled, with no reason given and without his having in any way violated the conditions of it? What has happened? What is this man supposed to have done to warrant this change of action?
§ Mr. FisherIt was withdrawn because of the advice the Resident Commissioner received from his Executive Council.