HC Deb 19 December 1974 vol 883 cc501-2W
39. Mr. Hunt

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the progress of his review of the activities of the Children of God movement in Great Britain.

Dr. Summerskill

In view of the report on the activities of the movement published earlier this year by the Attorney General of New York, we asked the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis to make certain inquiries. These are still in progress and it would be premature for my right hon. Friend to make any statement at present.

Mr. Hunt

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his current estimate of the number of aliens who have been permitted to enter Great Britain in connection with the Children of God movement.

Mr. Alexander W. Lyon

Accurate figures are not available but the number is believed to have been about 250 during the last few years. Many have since left.

Mr. Hunt

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many adherents of the Children of God cult have been denied entry to Great Britain under the Immigration Rules in the years 1972, 1973 and 1974.

Mr. Alexander W. Lyon

Complete figures are not available and of the passengers refused admission in 1972 some are known to have been members, but in no case was that the ground for refusal of entry.

Mr. Hunt

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many adherents of the Children of God cult have been deported from Great Britain in the years 1972, 1973 and 1974.

Mr. Alexander W. Lyon

One person deported for overstaying in 1974 is recorded as having been a member, but this was not the ground for deportation.