§ 1. Mr. EtheringtonTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to ensure that visitors to the United Kingdom are properly informed by British consulates of possible apprehension when arriving in the United Kingdom.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. Mark Lennox-Boyd)A guidance leaflet is available in British missions overseas explaining the requirements of the immigration rules, which all visitors must satisfy.
§ Mr. EtheringtonDoes not the Minister agree that when a citizen of Papua New Guinea is reassured about entry on no fewer than three occasions—twice in the company of one of my constituents who probably speaks English better than I do—it is deplorable that she should be treated as if she were an illegal immigrant on her arrival in this country? Rather than talk about leaflets, pamphlets and guidance, should not the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs ensure that consular staff are fully aware of the conditions for entering Britain, so that such a deplorable incident does not happen again?
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe hon. Gentleman asked about the steps that we take to make known Britain's immigration policy, and we do that which I described. The hon. Gentleman refers to the case of Mrs. Mea, and I shall be happy to tell the hon. Gentleman in private all that I know about it. However, that case is subject to appeal and is therefore sub judice, so I cannot comment on it here.