HL Deb 20 July 1995 vol 566 cc54-5WA
Lord Northfield

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will change the immigration system at major airports so that aliens with the status of permanent residence in the United Kingdom may proceed through the channel for United Kingdom and EC passport holders; and whether they are aware that this courtesy is offered in the United States of America, in similar circumstances, to their foreign residents, including British citizens, who have green cards allowing permanent residence.

Baroness Blatch

Current channelling arrangements at the immigration controls at ports of entry are designed to clear a great variety of passengers with the minimum of delay and inconvenience. The arrangements are kept under regular review.

Nationals of the European Economic Area (EEA) generally require no more than a brief document check, and therefore move through the immigration control very quickly. Non-EEA nationals, including those who are returning residents, take longer because of the need to ask a few questions. Therefore if non-EEA nationals were to use the EEA channel significant delays could build up.