§ Mr. Richardasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, following the Delgado case, he will now take steps to ensure that visas are not refused merely on the ground that the applicant might at some earlier time have been present illegally in the United Kingdom.
§ Sir F. SoskiceVisa applications are considered on their merits in the light of all the circumstances of each individual case. A previous illegal entry into the United Kingdom would always be a factor to be taken into account in reaching a decision.
§ Mr. Richardasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether, following the Delgado case, he is satisfied with the procedure for considering visa applications; and if he will make a statement on the principles his department applies in granting or rejecting such applications.
§ Sir F. SoskiceThe requirement—which applies only to Stateless persons and to nationals of countries with which Her Majesty's Government has not concluded a visa abolition agreement—that an alien should obtain a visa before journeying to this country is an administrative arrangement that provides an opportunity to consider in advance whether the alien can be admitted; it thus obviates many fruitless journeys. All visa applications receive careful consideration. The principles which are applied in considering them are, in general, those which are applied under the provisions of the Aliens Order, 1953, to an alien who seeks leave to land in this country; these are conveniently set out in the Home Office memorandum at page 71 of the Eleventh Report from the Estimates Committee of the Session 1962–63. I have no reason to think that these arrangements are not satisfactory.