HC Deb 27 July 1979 vol 971 cc535-6W
Mr. Stephen Ross

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what opportunity has been given to scientologists to discuss with his Department the accuracy of press reports on their activities emanating from the United States of America during 1967–68 on the basis of which scientologists have been banned from the United Kingdom.

Mr. Whitelaw

The policy as regards the admission to the United Kingdom of scientologists subject to immigration control was not based on press reports of their activities in the United States. The reasons for that policy were announced -able showing for any stated periods of time the number and types of crimes recurring in Newham and the former West and East Ham areas.

Mr. Brittan

I understand from the Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis that the only information readily available is that given in the following table:

by the then Minister of Health in July 1968.