HC Deb 27 March 1979 vol 965 cc120-1W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how, and on what basis for what purposes, he bans the entry of some Scientologists from entry into Great Britain while allowing others to enter without hindrance;

(2) whether he will give for the latest most convenient stated date the number of persons connected with the Church of Scientology that have been allowed to enter Great Britain and barred from entry, respectively, and in the latter case the reasons for the ban on entry.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

The reasons for the decision to impose restrictions on all people subject to immigration control who wish to come here to study, work for or promote the interests of Scientology were set out in the statement made on 25 July 1968 by the then Minister of Health.

There have been 196 refusals under this policy. The number of scientologists admitted who do not have such intentions or who had some special claim is not recorded.