HL Deb 26 June 1974 vol 352 c1586WA
LORD O'HAGAN

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Which provisions of the Aliens' Restrictions (Amendment) Act 1919 are still in force; what is the legal effect of those provisions; and whether such provisions are (1) compatible with the Treaty of Rome, and (2) still necessary.

LORD BESWICK

Sections 3, 4, 5, 8 and 13(1), (2) and (4) of the Aliens Restriction (Amendment) Act 1919 remain in force. Section 6 also remains in force but is modified in its effect by the Aliens Employment Act 1955. These sections impose restrictions on aliens. Section 3 makes incitement to seditionet cetera by an alien a criminal offence; Section 6 as modified by the Aliens Employment Act 1955 restricts the appointment of aliens in the Civil Service and Section 8 provides that no alien shall sit on a jury if challenged by any party. Section 4 provides that no alien shall hold a pilotage certificate and Section 5 places restrictions on the employment of aliens in United Kingdom registered ships. There appears to be no incompatibility with the Treaty of Rome. Powers already exist for the repeal of Sections 5 and 8 and these repeals can be made at an appropriate time. If it is found desirable to repeal the remaining provisions the necessary powers would be sought. Section 13 is a general provision concerning offences and penalties. This provision will be of no effect if the other provisions are repealed.