§ Mr. Henderson Stewartasked the Minister of Health whether, in allotting Continental refugees to neutral areas in this country, he has consulted the Service Departments regarding the propriety of placing aliens in districts containing aerodromes, military barracks, and other vital centres of military activity; and whether 1005W he will cause immediate revision to be made of the allocations now in operation with a view to the public safety?
Mr. M. MacDonaldI am in consultation with the Defence Departments on this subject. The hon. Member will appreciate that refugees arriving in this country are carefully examined at the ports of entry and that any about whom there seem doubts are detained. In addition, by an Order made by the Home Secretary on 21st May, all alien refugees are made subject to special restrictions, including restrictions on their freedom to travel and a prohibition of the possession of certain articles, such as cameras, motor vehicles, etc. In addition, no alien is allowed to enter certain areas declared to be protected areas without the permission of the chief constable concerned. If any further steps appear necessary with a view to the public safety, they will be taken without hesitation.