§ 68. Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what procedure he followed with regard to Chief Enahoro's application to remain in the country for political asylum; how this procedure differed from that followed with regard to other such applications from Commonwealth citizens; and whether he will make a statement;
(2) what is Her Majesty's Government's policy regarding the grant of political asylum or the equivalent to Commonwealth, as distinct from foreign, citizens; and in how many cases such consideration has been extended to Commonwealth citizens in the past 10 years.
§ Mr. BrookeI take it that my hon. Friend is referring to the exercise of my discretion not to return persons who have been committed by the courts under the Fugitive Offenders Act 1881. I am now considering an application from Chief Enahoro that on political grounds, among others, he should not be returned to Nigeria. This will be decided in the light of all relevant considerations, as would any similar applications from other Commonwealth citizens. So far202W as I am aware, the Home Secretary has exercised his discretion under the Act of 1881 to refuse surrender in only one case in the past 10 years.
§ 70. Mr. Stonehouseasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will grant political asylum to Chief Anthony Enahoro, a political refugee from Nigeria.
§ Mr. BrookeI have nothing yet to add to the reply given to the hon. Member for Islington, East (Mr. Fletcher) on 21st February.