HC Deb 09 March 1967 vol 742 cc1724-5
2. Mr. Gurden

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied that effective control is now exercised by immigration officers; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ennals

I have no reason to think that the present position is in general unsatisfactory, but I shall be glad to consider any difficulty which the hon. Member may wish to bring to my notice.

Mr. Gurden

I thank the Minister for his Answer. Is he satisfied that the health checks are still effective in view of the previous outbreaks of disease?

Mr. Ennals

There are some health checks which are undertaken at the airport itself. As for our having additional powers for health checks, we have to wait till the committee which is looking into the question of inquiries reports. We shall then see whether further action is necessary.

Sir D. Renton

As the net increase in Commonwealth immigrants in the last two years has consisted so largely of families, will the hon. Gentleman make sure that all people coming in as wives and dependants are genuinely so?

Mr. Ennals

The net increase in 1966 was substantially less than the increase in 1965 and 1964. Immigration officers take great care to check the claims of those who come in as dependants. I am certain that the right hon. and learned Gentleman would not wish to stop us allowing legitimate dependants in to join their families.

3. Mr. Gurden

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his latest approximate estimate of the numbers of immigrants entering Great Britain illegally.

Mr. Ennals

I would refer the hon. Member to the reply my right hon. Friend gave on 5th December to a Question by the hon. Member for St. Albans (Mr. Goodhew).—[Vol. 737, c.227.]

Mr. Gurden

Why cannot a rough estimate be made? The Secretary of State's predecessor was able to give an estimate of the number of immigrants entering illegally.

Mr. Ennals

If we knew the number we should stop them. There are two types of evasion. First, there are those who make a false claim in order to get in. I believe that we have reduced these absolutely to the minimum. Second, there are those who come in as students or as visitors and then stay beyond their permitted time. This figure has now come down to a very few hundred. The number of evasions has been greatly reduced.