HC Deb 10 February 1949 vol 461 cc85-6W
62. Mr. J. Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that a German youth named Rolf Merz, of Ulm/Donau, Wuerttemburg, United States zone, who had been invited by a Bolton family to visit them, was not allowed to enter this country when he landed at Dover, that his statement was not checked there, and that he was subsequently sent to Belgium: and if he will make a full statement.

Mr. Ede

Mr. Merz arrived at Dover from Ostend on 18th January. He was without means and had a single ticket to London only. Before granting leave to land the immigration officer was bound to satisfy himself that a genuine visit was intended. Mr. Merz admitted on interrogation that his real purpose was to seek work and settle here. He was not in possession of the necessary permit and he was accordingly refused leave to land and sent back to Ostend.