HC Deb 08 December 1955 vol 547 c81W
10. Mr. Peter Freeman

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that a British consul in Italy has refused a visa to an intending visitor to this country and has refused to inform her whether or not she will be granted permission to enter the country, stating that this will be decided by immigration officials at the port of entry; and, since a fruitless journey will have been incurred in the event of permission being refused, if he will make a statement of practice in this regard, and if he will state the circumstances in which intending visitors can obtain an assurance before setting out on the journey that permission to enter will be granted.

Major Lloyd-George

I do not know the circumstances of the case to which the hon. Member refers. Leave to land in this country is vested by law in the immigration officer and cannot be guaranteed in advance but, on the contrary, an alien who had been refused a visa would run a serious risk of being refused leave to land.