London Airport (Indian Businessman)

HC Deb 24 July 1969 vol 787 cc418-9W

38. Dr. Gray

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from the Indian Government concerning the action of immigration officials at London Airport in the case of an Indian businessman; and what action he has taken.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

None.

39. Dr. Gray

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why immigration officials detained an Indian businessman, whose name has been sent to him, at Heathrow Airport for 24 hours and subsequently refused him entry.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

I understand that my hon. Friend is referring to the case of Mr. Y. B. Bhalla, who arrived here in transit for Canada. In the course of examining Mr. Bhalla, it became evident that he had left India to settle elsewhere and that he had not been accepted as an immigrant to Canada. As the immigration officer was not satisfied that, if admitted as a visitor, Mr. Bhalla would leave at the end of his visit admission Was refused and arrangements were made for Mr. Bhalla to continue his journey to Canada.