§ Mr. Freesonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has for improving arrangements for the welfare of immigrants arriving at London Airport.
§ Mr. Roy JenkinsMost people who arrive at London Airport pass quickly through the immigration control and are in no need of assistance; but there are a few passengers whose welfare presents special difficulties. For example, some passengers need help or comfort of a kind which is beyond the normal scope of the immigration service and could better be given by a voluntary organisation. I am therefore exploring with suitable organisations the possibility of establishing a voluntary welfare service.
There are also occasions when a passenger has to wait while inquiries are made about his claim to admission. I propose to discuss with the High Commissions or Embassies of the countries mainly concerned whether there are ways in which they might help to elucidate claims where there is doubt about the facts.
Anything we are able to do will, of course, be without prejudice to the appeal questions now being considered by the committee under Sir Roy Wilson's chairmanship.