§ Mr. Geoffrey Johnson Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he has completed his review of immigration policy with regard to Scientology.
§ Mr. WhitelawYes. This policy, which applies to Scientology alone, was announced in 1968 by the then Minister of Health who stated that Scientology was socially harmful and that its methods could be a serious danger to the health of those who submitted to them. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services, is not satisfied that there is clear and sufficient current evidence for continuing the existing policy with regard to Scientologists on medical grounds alone. I have accordingly decided that the ban be lifted. Individuals associated with Scientology whose presence is not conducive to the public good will continue to be liable to refusal under ordinary immigration policy. Otherwise persons describing themselves as Scientologists who satisfy the immigration authorities in accordance with the immigration rules applicable to their individual circumstances will in future be admitted. The immigration rules make special provision for the admission of ministers of religion and missionaries outside the work permit scheme but persons connected with the scientology organisation will not qualify under these heads.