§ 38. Mr. David Steelasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he proposes to take to reunite those stateless Ugandan Asians at present in United Nations transit camps with their families in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. LaneMy right hon. Friend told the House on 22nd February that, after consultation with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and as our contribution to the international solution of this difficult problem, we would admit for settlement about 300 men expelled from Uganda and then in Europe whose wives and children were in the United Kingdom. These men have since been admitted.
574WMy information is that there are now few husbands in United Nations transit camps. Under the immigration rules they have no right to come here for settlement on the ground that their wives are here, and this was made clear at the time to the wives when they were admitted from Uganda. Nevertheless, it is open to such a man to apply to the nearest British representative for a visa, and any application would be considered in terms of the immigration rules.