§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a statement about Chilean refugees; and what guarantees are obtained regarding political activities.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsSo far 7,789 applications have been received, including dependants, of which 2,122 have been granted, 2,641 have been refused and 2,236 are still under consideration; 1,137 have arrived in the United Kingdom.
Our policy is kept under review in the light of the figures of Chilean refugees and the Government's other obligations affecting immigration. The change of emphasis which I announced on 9th July last will continue to apply.
Acceptance remains conditional on personal acceptability of the applicant and reliable sponsorship once here. Refugees from Chile are not subject to guarantees regarding their participation in political activities in the United Kingdom and are free to participate in such activities providing they remain within the law.—[Vol. 895, c. 173–174.]