§ Sir N. MOOREasked the Home Secretary whether, in view of the recent lawless outbreaks that have taken place in the Transvaal due largely to the influence of undesirable aliens, he will give consideration to the advisability of securing more effective supervision in the admission of aliens to this country; and that, if his powers under existing legislation are not sufficient, he will take the earliest opportunity of asking Parliament to pass the necessary legislation?
§ Mr. SHORTTI am not aware that the control of the admission of aliens to this country is ineffective or that my powers under existing legislation are insufficient.
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Mr. FOOTasked the Home Secretary whether uncertainty and difference of practice exist as to the regulations requiring registration and declaration of nationality of visitors to hotels and boarding houses; and what regulations, if any, are now in operation so that a common practice might be secured?
§ Mr. SHORTTI am not aware that there is any widespread uncertainty or difference of practice in this matter. The law is quite clear, and is contained in Article 7 of the Aliens Order, 1920, of which I am sending the hon. Member a copy.
§ Mr. MILLSasked the Home Secretary whether, in making deportation orders, it is the practice to take into consideration any charges or alleged facts not proved to the satisfaction of a court of competent jurisdiction; if so, whether such charges or allegations are communicated to the accused; what opportunity is given for his defence; and before what tribunal his case is heard?
§ Mr. SHORTTIn the great majority of cases the alien against whom the order is made has been convicted and has had an opportunity of putting his case before the Court, and calling witnesses. I have also before me reports by the police, and every case is carefully examined and sifted by the responsible officers of the Department. Written statements submitted on behalf of the alien are considered and tested by inquiry, and, if necessary, persons who can speak in the alien's favour are seen and questioned.
§ Mr. MILLSasked the Home Secretary if, to reduce the loss of over £20,000 a year on alien registration in London alone and to prevent unnecessary police interference with the lives of harmless and law-abiding residents, he is prepared to make an Order under the power conferred on him by Article 14 of the Aliens Order, 1920, placing all aliens not of ex-enemy status, who have resided continuously in this country for 10 years or more, on the same footing as regards registration as former aliens holding certificates of colonial naturalisation?
§ Mr. SHORTT£20,000 is the approximate annual cost of the work of alien registration in the Metropolitan Police District. I do not agree that this is a loss or that there is unnecessary police 281W interference, and I am not prepared to make such an Order as the hon. Member suggests.