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Government clamp down on cult of Scientology

Title: Government clamp down on cult of Scientology
Date: Friday, 26 July 1968
Publisher: The Scotsman (UK)
Main source: link (98 KiB)

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The Government, in the Commons yesterday, announced plans to curb the growth of what Mr Kenneth Robinson, the Minister of Health, called the "objectionable " growth of Scientology.

In a written answer to Mr Geoffrey Johnson Smith (C., East Grinstead), Mr Robinson said: "During the past two years the Government have become increasingly concerned at the spread of Scientology in the United Kingdom. Scientology is a pseudo-philosophical cult introduced into this country some years ago from the United States and has its world headquarters in East Grinstead.

"It has been described by its founder, Mr L. Ron Hubbard, as the world's largest mental health organisation'."

Mr Robinson said: "The Government are satisfied, having reviewed all the available evidence, that Scientology is socially harmful. It alienates members of families from each other and attributes squalid and disgraceful motives to all who oppose it, its authoritarian principles and practices are a potential menace to the personality and well-being of those so deluded as to become its followers.

HEALTH THREAT

"Above all, its methods can be a serious danger to the health of those who submit to them. There is evidence that children are now being indoctrinated.

"There is no power under existing law to prohibit the practice of Scientology, but the Government have concluded that it is so objectionable that it would be right to take all steps within their power to curb its growth.

"It appears that Scientology has drawn its adherents largely from overseas, though the organisation is now making intensive efforts to recruit residents of this country.

"Foreign nationals come here to study Scientology and to work at the so-called college in East Grinstead. The Government can prevent this under existing law and have decided to do so."

These six steps are being taken immediately:

The college and all other Scientology establishments will no longer be accepted as educational establishments for the purposes of Home Office policy on the admission and subsequent control of foreign nationals.

Foreign nationals arriving at U.K. ports intending to go to these establishments will not be eligible for admission as students.

Foreign nationals already here will not be granted student status to attend an establishment.

Foreign nationals here to study at one of these establishments will not be granted extensions of stay to continue these studies.

Work permits and employment vouchers will not be issued to foreigners or Commonwealth citizens for work at a Scientology establishment.

Work permits already issued to foreigners for work at an establishment will not be extended.

Scientology has 15 centres in England and a small one at Helensburgh. In Edinburgh, a former hotel in South Bridge is the centre for advanced courses; there is a new academy for beginners in Queen Street, and a publications division in Thistle Street.