HL Deb 27 October 1971 vol 324 cc662-4
LORD CLIFFORD OF CHUDLEIGH

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

[The Question was as follows:

To ask Her Majesty's Government why the Agent General for Tasmania, who fought for this country in the last war, arriving at London Airport on February 8,1971, for a three year appointment, had a limit of six months stamped on his passport.]

THE MINISTER OF STATE, HOME OFFICE (LORD WINDLESHAM)

My Lords, this was the result of an error. Commonwealth diplomats and their families are exempt from control under the Commonwealth Immigrants (Control of Immigration) Exemption Order,1965, and the Agent General for Tasmania and his family should have been admitted without conditions. An apology has been made to the Agent General, and the entries in the passports have been revoked.

LORD CLIFFORD OF CHUDLEIGH

My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for that reply. I wonder whether he would agree that the restrictions on visiting Australians and New Zealanders should be withdrawn completely. Also, could he explain to me why Her Majesty's Government add insult to injury by permitting, since the war, over half a million republicans, non-Commonwealth, largely hostile people to settle here without let or hindrance. while we subject Commonwealth monarchist, overtly friendly people to this sort of behaviour?

LORD WINDLESHAM

My Lords, I have explained that there are no restrictions on the admittance of Commonwealth diplomats or any other diplomats to this country. As to the position of Australians as regards the immigration control, we discussed this whole question at considerable length during the Report stage of the Immigration Bill, and I do not think we should be drawn into further debate now.

LORD SHACKLETON

My Lords, would the noble Lord agree that the reference to Irish residents in this country would be regarded by the House as both provocative and offensive?

LORD WINDLESHAM

My Lords, I think it is in the interests of the House to stick to the Questions that are asked. This was a very narrow one about the error which was made when a Common- wealth diplomat was admitted, and I have sought to confine my Answer to that.