§ 27. Sir Knox Cunninghamasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will refuse admission to the United Kingdom to those, whether students or others, who come with the declared intention of advocating the overthrow by force of the constitution of this country, or of otherwise disseminating sedition.
§ 15. Mr. Wallasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he proposes to take to prevent known foreign agitators entering Great Britain.
§ Mr. CallaghanI shall continue to consider cases individually on their merits.
§ Sir Knox CunninghamCan the right hon. Gentleman say why the B.B.C. spent public money to bring "professional students" and agitators from abroad? How does this affect the good relations of Britain with the countries from which they come?
§ Mr. CallaghanI am not answerable for the B.B.C. What I have to determine is whether somebody who wishes to come to this country is likely to attempt to overthrow the constitution by force. I have not so far reached that conclusion in relation to those invited to come by the B.B.C.
§ Mr. RoseIs my right hon. Friend aware that it is possible in this country and in this House to make speeches in support of sedition, rebellion, and treason against the Crown, and will he therefore, in the interests of free speech and fair play, resist the pressure of those of my hon. Friends who would wish to silence the hon. and learned Member for Antrim, South (Sir Knox Cunningham) and his fellow supporters of the Rhode-sian Front?
§ Mr. CallaghanYes, Sir, I think I can give that assurance.
§ Sir Knox CunninghamOn a point of Order. Owing to the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I shall raise the matter again