§ Mr. Edwin Wainwrightasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for refuge have been received since the coup in Chile; how many have been granted; how many refugees have arrived in the United Kingdom; and whether he proposes to review the policy on admissions.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsSo far 6,830 applications have been received—including dependants—of which 1,971 have been granted. Many of those concerned have not exercised their option to come here and apparently do not intend to do so. Only 893 have arrived in the United Kingdom.
I have reviewed our policy in the light of these figures and of the grounds on which applications are currently being 174W made, and have decided on some change of emphasis.
For the future, the United Kingdom will continue to play its part in taking a share of refugees under any international arrangements covering those detained in Chile on political grounds. For the rest, in general, we shall confine admissions to those under political pressure in the following categories: (a) cases where there are marked compassionate circumstances; (b) cases where there are ties with the United Kingdom, including cases of family unity; and (c) people wishing to come here to study or to continue in academic life. In all cases acceptance will continue to be dependent upon personal acceptability and reliable sponsorship in this country.