§ Mr. Clinton Davisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many South African citizens have sought political asylum in the United Kingdom in each of the years 1979, 1980, 1981 and up to the present in 1982; and how many of such applications have been granted, refused or remained to be determined;
778W(2) how many South African Citizens have sought permission to remain in the United Kingdom by virtue of their conscientious or political objections to serving in the armed forces of South Africa in each of the years 1979, 1980, 1981 and up to the present in 1982; and how many of such applications have been granted, refused or remain to be determined.
§ Mr. RaisonSeparate figures are not available in respect of applicants expressing a conscientious objection to military service. The available figures in respect of South African nationals seeking political asylum (including those expressing an objection to military service) are as follows:
Applications Received Granted Refused Withdrawn Pending at end of year of 1979 81 28 12 5 36 1980 30 32 4 2 28 1981 72 21 13 17 49 1982* 31 6 23 23 28 * To 30 June. The figures for 1979 relate only to applications received in that year. The figure for 1980 onwards have been compiled on a different basis and include decisions on applications made in earlier years.
§ Mr. Clinton Davisasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his policy towards applications by citizens of South Africa who apply to continue to reside in the United Kingdom, in view of objections which they hold on political, moral, ethical or religious grounds to serving in the armed forces of South Africa and who, by virtue of such objections and a refusal to so serve may face prosecution, conviction and imprisonment if they return to South Africa.
§ Mr. RaisonAny application received on the grounds outlined by the hon. Member will be considered carefully on its individual merits; an unwillingness to perform military service is not, in itself, considered a ground for the grant of asylum but where it is subordinate to deeply held moral, religious or political beliefs which would result in his national authorities treating the applicant more harshly than others who refuse to perform military service, asylum might be appropriate. Where asylum is not granted, consideration will be given to the possible grant of exceptional leave to remain.