HC Deb 19 January 1979 vol 960 c912W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, for the longest and most convenient period, how many persons of alien birth and how many British passport holders have been admitted or barred from entry into Great Britain from the United States of America, the respective Arab countries and the countries of the Asian subcontinent; and what are the reasons for the disparity in these figures.

Mr. Merlyn Rees:

The published control of immigration statistics show, by nationality, citizenship or country of issue of passports, the numbers of passengers given or refused leave to enter.

The differences between the figures for one nationality and another reflect the individual circumstances of the passengers concerned.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why General Oneissi, an Iranian citizen, was allowed to enter Great Britain; and, during the week of his entry, how many citizens from the Indian sub-continent were admitted and prevented from entering Great Britain.

Mr. Merlyn Rees:

I have no information that General Oneissi is in the United Kingdom.

It would involve disproportionate expense to ascertain how many people were admitted or refused entry during any one week.