HC Deb 20 May 1971 vol 817 c1503
16. Mr. Grieve

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is aware that the United Kingdom Immigrants Advisory Service have passed a resolution to give confidential help to immigrants who entered or remained in the United Kingdom illegally and wish to regularise their position; and what action he proposes to take in the matter.

Mr. Maudling

People whose presence here is illegal because, having been admitted lawfully, they overstay their leave have rights of appeal under the Immigration Appeals Act, 1969 and it is a legitimate function of U.K.I.A.S. to assist them. This is not the case where the initial entry itself was unlawful. I am ensuring that this distinction is clear to U.K.I.A.S., in relation to the use of public funds.

Mr. Grieve

I thank my right hon. Friend for his reply. Will he make it plain to the Immigrants Advisory Service that were it to give confidential advice to those whose initial entry into the country was illegal, it might put itself in a position of being accessory to the offence of being an illegal immigrant?

Mr. Maudling

I am in correspondence with the Chairman on this matter and I do not anticipate any difficulty in reaching agreement.