HC Deb 19 December 1974 vol 883 cc500-1W
34. Mr. Ralph Howell

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Chilean refugees have now been permitted to take up residence in Great Britain since the fall of President Allende's Government.

Mr. Alexander W. Lyon

Four hundred and forty-three Chilean refugees are known to have arrived here. Permission for substantially more has been granted, but many of these have not followed up their applications.

35. Mr. Lane

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the Government's present policy with regard to Chileans seeking to enter the United Kingdom.

Mr. Alexander W. Lyon

Chilean nationals who are not seeking entry as refugees have to conform to the Immigration Rules. Applications by refugees are considered sympathetically on their merits, subject to personal acceptability.

Mr. Trotter

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether the figure of 1,059 Chilean refugees granted political asylum by 22nd November refers to heads of families, and, if so, what were the number of dependants also granted entry.

Mr. Alexander W. Lyon

The figure is of total numbers, including dependants.