§ Mr. Whitakerasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why admission was refused to Dr. Naum Gourevich at London Airport on 26th April, in view of the fact that he is a political refugee who has set up a home and has his possessions in this country; and whether he will reconsider this decision.
§ Mr. EnnalsMr. Gourevich is not a political refugee. He came to this country in 1967 and was admitted as a visitor. At the end of his permitted stay he applied to be allowed to settle here permanently. He was not eligible for this, but left the country while his application was still being considered and before he could be informed that it could not be granted. Every effort was made98W through our diplomatic representatives overseas to inform him of this, but it did not prove possible to communicate with him before he sought readmission to the United Kingdom on 26th April.