HL Deb 07 November 1950 vol 169 cc147-8

2.37 p.m.

LORD VANSITTART

My Lords, I beg to ask the Question which stands in my name on the Order Paper.

[The Question was as follows:

To ask whether it is the intention of the Government to refuse entrance to this country to aliens endeavouring to take part in an international Communist demonstration under guise of a Peace Congress which the Government itself recognises to be dishonest and harmful.]

THE LORD CHANCELLOR (VISCOUNT JOWITT)

My Lords, the self-styled British Peace Committee has been told that applications from foreigners to attend the Congress will be dealt with on their individual merits, and His Majesty's Government must reserve the right to refuse admission to any foreigner who is persona non grata.

LORD VANSITTART

I thank the noble and learned Viscount for his answer, which seems to me the next best thing to getting rid of the performance altogether.

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

My Lords, may I add that there is no power to prohibit the Congress so long as it is conducted in such a way as not to infringe the law?

LORD VANSITTART

I understood that. That is why I said "the next best thing."