§ 78. Sir L. Plummerasked the Secretary of State for the Colonies when the visitor's permit, issued by the Fiji Government to Mr. J. E. Thornton, expired; why it was not renewed; and what were the reasons for his deportation.
§ Mr. ProfumoMr. Thornton entered Fiji in August, 1955, under the provisions of the Immigration Ordinance whereby visitors may stay for a period not exceeding four months. He was subsequently allowed to stay for another eight months until August, 1956, in order that he might complete a book that he was writing. It was made clear that no request to stay longer would be considered. A request in July, 1956, to remain for a further year was not granted, but he was allowed to remain in the Colony while he petitioned my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State. After this petition had been carefully considered the Governor was informed in December, 1956, that my right hon. Friend saw no reason to intervene.
Accordingly, in January, 1957, Mr. Thornton was ordered to leave Fiji by the principal immigration officer in accordance with Section 8 of the Immigration Ordinance and, on failing to do so, was charged, tried and convicted in March, 1957, and in May the court recommended that a deportation order be made against him. His appeal to the Supreme Court of Fiji was dismissed in October and he was then deported.