HL Deb 11 April 1951 vol 171 cc239-40

3.20 p.m.

EARL HOWE

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

[The Question was as follows:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they are aware that stowaways are arriving in this country at a rate of 600 per annum; whether any estimate has been made of the total stow- away population now in this country; whether the Government are taking any steps to stop or prevent the arrival of stowaways in this country and to return them to their country of origin.]

THE LORD CHANCELLOR (VIS-COUNT JOWITT)

My Lords, the average number of stowaways arriving at United Kingdom ports each year since 1945 is actually higher than the noble Earl has mentioned. It is about 750, of whom about 400 have claimed to be British. Alien stowaways are normally refused admission, and stowaways who claim to be British are admitted only if they can substantiate their claims. Of 708 stowaways who arrived at United Kingdom ports in 1950, 305 British subjects and 17 aliens were allowed to remain. No estimate can be made of the number of stowaways now in the United Kingdom. The Departments concerned have taken up with the shipping companies and with Colonial Governments the question of reducing the number of stowaways arriving at United Kingdom ports, and a number of measures, such as closer supervision at ports of embarkation, have been put into effect.

EARL HOWE

I thank the noble and learned Viscount the Lord Chancellor for the answer which he has given. It has been stated that the number of British subjects who have been stowaways and who are now in this country is something like 16,000, and that the traffic is to some extent organised. It is also said that there is a certain amount of evidence to show that it is organised. I hope that His Majesty's Government will be able to watch the position carefully.

THE LORD CHANCELLOR

As I have said, it would be only a guess if I were to attempt to say how many stowaways there are in this country; no statistics are available. I agree with the noble Earl that the subject is one which needs watching.

LORD STRABOLGI

Does not all this show how very attractive this country is under the present Government? Everyone seems to be trying to get here.

3.22 p.m.