HC Deb 14 December 1967 vol 756 cc600-1
5. Mr. Blaker

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is aware that the Boeing 747 aircraft which will soon be coming into service will be capable of carrying 500 passengers; and what preparations the immigration authorities are making to be able to handle this number of passengers expeditiously.

Mr. Ennals

My officers are considering, in consultation with the airport authorities and others concerned, how best to apply an effective immigration control without unduly delaying passengers on these aircraft.

Mr. Blaker

Is the Minister aware that the speed at which visitors pass through the immigration procedures at our major airports is already giving grounds for concern? If we are to make the most of our tourist potential, especially after devaluation, will he give the problem a very high priority?

Mr. Ennals

I do not accept the hon. Gentleman's point. The average time is about 43 seconds per overseas visitor arriving in this country, and it is going down. We are most concerned to ensure that when the Boeing 747 comes into use in 1970 full provisions will be made to see that the traffic is dealt with rapidly.

Mr. Buck

Does the Minister agree that there is also the problem of people who come here to live? At present over 1,000 a year must be sent back, which is very inhumane. Will he consider introducing a certificate system so that people must have certificates before coming here to live?

Mr. Ennals

That is quite a different question.