HC Deb 26 October 1977 vol 936 cc784-5W
Mr. Hugh Jenkins

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will set out the reasons for his decisions to refuse a letter of consent to enable Carlos Venegas Riquelme, a Chilean political prisoner, to enter the United Kingdom.

Dr. Summerskill:

An applicant for a letter of consent must usually make out a case under the Immigration Rules for it to be granted. Chilean refugees who cannot make out such a case may nevertheless be granted letters if they fall within certain categories. On this basis we have received a considerable number of Chilean refugees, but it does not mean that we can accept all those who apply.