HC Deb 13 March 1952 vol 497 cc150-1W
84. Mr. Driberg

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why a number of visitors from foreign countries, including the United States of America, the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, France, Italy and India, were refused permission to enter the United Kingdom in order to attend the International Women's Day celebrations on 8th March; and what danger to the State was apprehended from the presence here of these women.

Sir D. Maxwell Fyfe

The International Women's Day celebrations, under their present direction, are part of the Soviet inspired campaign against the policy of the members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation and I decided, after consulting my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary not to extend the hospitality of this country to foreigners whose object in coming here is to carry on this campaign under the colourable pretext of concern for the interests of women.