HC Deb 14 December 1967 vol 756 cc614-5
22. Mr. Fletcher-Cooke

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he proposes to introduce legislation to implement the proposals contained in the White Paper on Immigration, Command Paper No. 2739.

Mr. Callaghan

In framing the legislation on immigration control including the establishment of an appeal system which I intend to introduce when Parliamentary time is available, I shall take full account of the proposals to which the hon. and learned Member refers.

Mr. Fletcher-Cooke

Will the right hon. Gentleman, whom I am delighted to see in his present post, recognise that there is a tremendous loophole in the fact that once an illegal immigrant has remained here for 24 hours, he can remain scot-free? Will he assure us that the legislation which he promises will stop up that loophole among others?

Mr. Callaghan

I am told that this is a matter which is being carefully considered. Mr. Hogg: As this is a matter of considerable urgency, will the right hon. Gentleman press upon his right hon. Friend the Leader of the House the desirability of making Parliamentary time available at the earliest possible moment after Christmas?

Mr. Callaghan

No, Sir. I o not think that I could undertake to do that.