HC Deb 25 March 1965 vol 709 c730
27. Mr. Ennals

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, when considering applications from South African nationals for permits to study in this country, he will keep a record of those wishing to undergo courses in nuclear physics.

Mr. George Thomas

There is no system of permits for foreign students; a South African wishing to come here to study would, however, need to obtain leave to land from an immigration officer at the port of arrival. My right hon. and learned Friend is not satisfied that there are sufficient grounds for maintaining at the ports a special record of the kind suggested by my hon. Friend.

Mr. Ennals

Is the Minister aware that there is a quite substantial number of South African scientists who are training in this country in nuclear physics at Harwell, the Imperial College, and other institutions? Is he not aware that we may be unwittingly helping South Africa eventually to become a nuclear Power? Is he not aware also that all of these are white South Africans and not black South Africans? Ought we not at least to keep a record of those who are here?

Mr. Thomas

My right hon. and learned Friend and the Government have no reason to suppose that the Government of South Africa are likely to undertake the manufacture of nuclear weapons in the foreseeable future. There is no question of race arising here on the admissions, because our immigration officers certainly treat anybody who is able to come from South Africa on the same basis.

Sir C. Osborne

Would the hon. Gentleman reject this demand for racial prejudice? Will he bear in mind that it is as yet no crime to have a white face in England?

Mr. Thomas

I welcome the hon. Gentleman's attitude against racial intolerance and I think it would be wiser to leave it there.