HC Deb 20 June 1963 vol 679 cc622-4
10. Mr. N. Pannell

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Commonwealth immigrants, and immigrants from the Republic of Eire, respectively, have been recommended for deportation under the Commonwealth Immigrants Act after conviction in the Metropolitan Police area for living on immoral earnings; and how many such recommendations he has confirmed.

Mr. Brooke

Thirteen, including three citizens of the Republic of Ireland. I have considered eight of these cases and six of the offenders have been deported, including two citizens of the Republic. In two cases I have decided not to act on the recommendation; five, relating to persons now serving sentences of imprisonment, await my consideration.

Mr. Pannell

As the great majority of Commonwealth immigrants convicted of these offences escape deportation through having been resident in this country for five years or more, will my right hon. Friend give an assurance that when such recommendations arising from these offences are received he will not reject them except on the strongest possible grounds?

Mr. Brooke

I myself consider every one of the recommendations for deportation. Parliament decided to give the Home Secretary discretion whether to act or not. In certain cases there are personal or compassionate grounds which are so strong that I think the deportation recommendation ought not to be implemented. But, obviously, I pay very great regard to a recommendation from a court.

11. Mr. N. Pannell

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Commonwealth immigrants have been recommended for deportation under the Commonwealth Immigrants Act for being in possession of dangerous drugs; and how many such recommendations he has confirmed.

Mr. Brooke

Thirty; in three cases however the recommendation was disallowed on appeal. Of the balance of 27, I have considered 1x and have signed deportation orders in 11 cases; nine, relating to persons now serving sentences of imprisonment, await my consideration.

Mr. Pannell

Is my right hon. Friend aware that many magistrates are deeply concerned that they are unable to recommend deportation in many of these cases and in other cases of serious crime because of the residential consideration and that this was emphasised in the recent case of Aloysius Gordon? In view of this, will he review the whole matter with amending legislation in mind?

Mr. Brooke

The House decided not to give leave for the introduction of the Bill which my hon. Friend sought leave to present recently dealing with this matter. In the particular case which he mentioned, I think the man had been in this country for 12 or 13 years. It is a genuine difficulty, if an alien can become naturalised after five years, if we are to talk about deporting Commonwealth citizens who have been here much longer than five years.

Mr. Driberg

Will the right hon. Gentleman put this matter in its true perspective by indicating what percentage of the total number of Commonwealth immigrants is represented by people in these categories? Is it not infinitesimal?

Mr. Brooke

I am glad to say that it is a very small proportion. At the same time, I think public opinion generally feels that if a Commonwealth citizen who has been here a short time commits a serious crime and is recommended for deportation, the Home Secretary ought to consider that recommendation seriously.

Mr. Fletcher

Does not the Home Secretary think that this series of questions is calculated to stir up hostility towards Commonwealth immigrants? Will he agree that by far the most important thing for him to do is to ensure that adequate steps are taken to ensure that Commonwealth immigrants are as fully and as rapidly as possible integrated into the life of the community?

Mr. Brooke

I agree that everything possible should be done for the welfare of Commonwealth citizens in this country. At the same time, I should deplore it if hon. Members on either side of the House were inhibited from asking Questions.