HC Deb 12 July 1976 vol 915 c43W
Sir Frederic Bennett

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the criteria on which visas are granted or refused to overseas visitors to the United Kingdom; and whether these include any element of moral judgment on the political views of the visitor or his Government.

Mr. Roy Jenkins

Visas are granted in accordance with the Rules made under the Immigration Act 1971. I have previously made clear my view that the power vested in me to refuse an applicant whose presence would not be conducive to the public good should be used only to safeguard national interests, and not to express moral approval or disapproval of a particular person or visit.