HC Deb 01 February 1973 vol 849 cc1597-8
16. Mr. John Grant

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will inquire into the circumstances in which special arrangements were made by the immigration authorities at Gatwick Airport on 27th December 1972 to facilitate the entry of Mr. Howard Hughes and his entourage; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Lane

When Mr. Hughes and his party arrived at Gatwick they were afforded the facilities normally available to passengers in private aircraft arriving during the night at that airport.

Mr. Grant

Is the hon. Gentleman aware that hon. Members and, I am sure, the general public will be grateful to know that they are entitled to this smooth and streamlined treatment? However, does he expect us to believe that there was no preferential treatment, and that no strings were pulled? It is a bit rich.

Mr. Lane

There was no preferential treatment whatsoever.

Mr. Lipton

Do the immigration authorities still have the right to insist upon a medical examination when they have reason to believe that an alien immigrant may be mentally abnormal?

Mr. Lane

We have very good powers which enable us in certain circumstances to insist on a medical examination, particularly of those who intend to stay more than six months. Mr. Hughes established his identity, his nationality and his financial means, and he was admitted for only three months.

Mr. Redmond

Does my hon. Friend accept that in the country as a whole the movements of Mr. Hughes are just about as big a bore as those of George Best?

Mr. Lane

As that question comes from my hon. Friend, who represents a Lancashire constituency, I will not argue with him.