HC Deb 03 May 1978 vol 949 cc120-1W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether visiting ministers of the Church of Scientology from America, Canada or Australia where Scientology is a recognised religion would be refused entry to the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

Permission to enter the United Kingdom is refused to people wishing to do so for the purposes of studying or working at a Scientology institution, promoting or extending the interests and activities of Scientology, or otherwise engaging in its business.

Refusals by the Home Office to accept that Scientology ministers are ministers of religion for the purpose of the immigration rules have been upheld on appeal.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether a foreign national who enters the United Kingdom for a private visit and subsequently visits a Scientology organisation to study is liable to be deported; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

Such a case would be considered on its merits. A person who is not patrial is liable to deportation if, among other things, he is in breach of his conditions or overstays, or if I deem his deportation to be conducive to the public good.