§ 19. Mr. Fowlerasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether he is satisfied that present precautions are sufficient to prevent National Insurance cards being issued to illegal immigrants; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Sir K. JosephNational Insurance cards must be issued to all persons, including immigrants, who became insurable under the National Insurance Acts and apply for them. However, I am introducing generally a procedure whereby applicants who should hold passports will be asked to produce them, or, in the case of EEC nationals, an identity document. The primary purpose will be to confirm the accuracy of personal particulars required for National Insurance purposes, but if any irregularities are noticed which give rise to suspicion of illegal entry or presence the Home Office Immigration Service will be informed.
§ Mr. FowlerThat announcement will be much welcomed. Has it not been shown on several occasions that once an illegal immigrant gets into the country he is able to get not only a job but a 364 National Insurance card? If this position were changed, would not the prospects of success of illegal immigrants be dramatically changed?
§ Sir K. JosephI am not able to answer that. I repeat that, under the statutes, the job of my Department is to issue insurance cards to the people who apply for jobs. That is the primary reason for seeking more details about their identity before issuing the card.