HC Deb 27 April 1967 vol 745 cc1809-10
23 and 24. Mr. Gurden

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he has received recommendations for deportation of immigrants for offences against the Rent Acts;

(2) if it is his policy to deport immigrants for offences connected with the Rent Acts.

Mr. Ennals

My right hon. Friend considers every recommendation for deportation on its merits, taking into account the circumstances of the offence and the offender. I have not been able to trace any recommendation in respect of an offence under the Rent Acts.

Mr. Gurden

Is this not rather surprising, when it is proved that there is "Rachmanism" practised against English people—who have occupied a house for 12 years—by Pakistanis in order to obtain the house for their own countrymen?

Mr. Ennals

The hon. Gentleman cannot expect me to comment on any particular case, or a hypothetical case, but the matter reaches my right hon. Friend only if a court has pronounced a sentence and made a recommendation for deportation.

Mr. Rose

In view of the misery caused by the original 1957 Rent Act, would my right hon. Friend perhaps consider deporting those responsible for it?