South Africa (Deported British Subject) (Hansard, 15 May 1972)

HC Deb 15 May 1972 vol 837 cc31-212 31

§ 38. Mr. Arthur Lewis asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will ask the South African Government why they have deported Mr. Mark Douglas-Home, a British subject, who has committed no criminal offence.

§ Mr. Kershaw
On 8th May Mr. Douglas-Home was served with an order withdrawing his visa exemption and residence permit and requiring him to leave South Africa by 10th May, 1972. The Government of South Africa have been asked for the reasons for their action.

§ Mr. Lewis
Is the Under-Secretary aware that, with no disrespect to him, I would have preferred the Foreign Secretary to have replied? Is he hon. Gentleman further aware that this young chappie is a very able, capable and progressive Left-winger who comes from a very good and respectable family and that everyone in the House strongly deplores the fact that a reactionary Government should treat such a wonderful young chap in this way? Will the hon. Gentleman ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs to make a very strong protest, with the full support of the House of Commons?

§ Mr. Kershaw
This young man sounds very like his uncle. As a country has the right to exclude whomever it pleases, unless a great deal of hardship is involved it would be inappropriate to make a diplomatic protest.

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