§ 18. Mr. Juddasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Commonwealth citizens who entered Great Britain illegally and who have been resident for more than six months have been compulsorily repatriated; and whether he will make a statement on the arrangements for such repatriation.
§ Mr. LaneSince 1st January 1973, 13 Commonwealth citizens who entered the United Kingdom without examination by an immigration officer and who had been here for more than six months have been removed under the powers contained in the Immigration Act 1971.
§ Mr. JuddI make no comment on the controversial nature of the Appeal Court ruling today about the retroactive nature of the new legislation, but does the Minister agree that there have been disturbing reports about the way in which, in some circumstances, the new regulations have been implemented? Will he ensure that where these regulations are implemented they are always implemented with a great degree of sensitivity for dependants and relatives?
§ Mr. LaneI am aware of the cases to which the hon. Member refers, and I have given instructions in the sense he suggests. At the same time, when we are seeking still further to strengthen our defences against illegal immigration and over-staying, we believe it right to use the new power given in the 1971 Act, but only after careful consideration of all the circumstances in individual cases.
§ Mr. FowlerDoes not my hon. Friend agree that the real question is how many people are able not only to enter this country illegally but to remain here, apparently, for long periods and get jobs here? Is he satisfied that even today our means of combating illegal immigration are adequate?
§ Mr. LaneNo, we are never satisfied, but day by day I see cases of men who have been here for varying periods, sometimes for as long as a year, or even longer, who have been found. Proceedings are taken against them and they are deported. We are trying to improve our methods all the time.