HC Deb 30 March 1983 vol 40 cc143-4W
Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many refugees from Communist countries in eastern Europe have applied for permission to settle in the United Kingdom since 1979; and how many have been refused permission.

Mr. Waddington

I refer the hon. Member to the answer given to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Tynemouth (Mr. Trotter) today.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what are the criteria by which decisions are made on whether to refuse admission to refugees from eastern European countries to the United Kingdom.

Mr. Waddington

So far as applications for refugee recognition are concerned, the criteria applied are those contained in article 1 of the convention relating to the status of refugees. Otherwise, the immigration rules apply.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Polish refugees from Austrian camps have been given permission to settle in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Waddington

Seventeen applications have been received, of which seven have been granted and five refused; five are still under consideration.