§ 15. Mr. Robert Cookeasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will make a statement following the entry of a number of illegal immigrants via the ship "Marika", recently arrested in Bristol docks.
§ Mr. LaneOn 22nd December on the M1 the police stopped a car which contained six men who were believed to be illegal immigrants. The men were apparently from a party of 36 who left the Continent on 17th December in the motor launch "Marika" and arrived at Bristol docks on 21st December. Five of them have been returned to India and the sixth has been sentenced to a term of imprisonment and recommended for deportation. The police are seeking the remainder of the party and the organisers of the expedition.
§ Mr. GrieveDoes not my hon. Friend agree that there is a widespread impression among those who have experience of the problem of illegal immigration that the number of cases which come to the notice of the police and finally into the courts represents the tip of an iceberg? Will he assure the House that he will do all that he and his Department can do within their power to deal with 1597 what is a very grave problem in society today?
§ Mr. LaneI give that absolute assurance. I know that there is anxiety about this matter. We are regularly reviewing the arrangements and the defences against illegal immigration. I remind my hon. and learned Friend that we are now setting up an intelligence unit at New Scotland Yard to collate and disseminate information about people engaged in this deplorable practice. We will not hesitate to strengthen these measures if necessary.