§ Captain Kerbyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what prior particulars were required and obtained by his immigration officers as to the marital status of those male Commonwealth citizens already settled in the United Kingdom before permitting the 1,916 female Commonwealth citizens to enter this country in 1968, as well as the further 858 admitted in the first five months of 1969, on the grounds that they were joining their husbands or fiancés already resident here.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesThe immigration officer would look for evidence that the man was married to the passenger, or was free to marry her, as the case might be. Where he was not so satisfied, admission would be refused. Women coming for marriage are admitted for a limited period, and are subsequently permitted to remain here permanently only if they148W produce evidence that the marriage has taken place.
The figures referred to by the hon. and gallant Member relate solely to women coming as fiancées.