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Colonies (Stowaways)

Volume 462: debated on Monday 7 March 1949

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asked the Secretary of State for the Colonies how many stowaways arrived in the Port of London from British Colonies in Africa during 1948; what legal steps are taken with regard to these stowaways; and what happens to them when any sentence they may receive has been served.

The Home Office informs me that in 1948, 101 of the 163 stowaways from British Colonies who arrived in London came from Africa. Eleven were refused leave to land by the immigration authorities and 60 were prosecuted by the shipping companies concerned. These people are dealt with by the Ministry of Labour and other Government Departments in the same way as are other persons who arrive in this country seeking employment.