HC Deb 03 December 1970 vol 807 c1453
23. Mr. Clinton Davis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will discontinue the employment of Securicor in connection with the supervision of immigrants who are refused entry into this country.

Mr. Sharples

No, Sir.

Mr. Clinton Davis

Will the hon. Gentleman say why Securicor should be promoted to being a subsidiary private police or immigration service? Would not it be preferable for the immigration service to employ its own people in this particularly sensitive area and to assume responsibility for training? If Securicor are to be employed, would not it be better for them to be in plain clothes?

Mr. Sharples

This arrangement was carried out on behalf of the airlines at London Airport for 2½ years before it was introduced to the immigration service, and we have received no complaints about it.

Mr. Arthur Lewis

In view of the unsatisfactory nature of that reply, I shall seek leave to raise the matter on the Adjournment.