§ LORD BARNBYasked Her Majesty's Government:
What, on the information now available, is the estimated number of illegal immigrants in the United Kingdom and what will be the average number of dependants permitted entry per illegal immigrant; for what period is the amnesty to be permitted; whether the computer calculations on immigration and National Insurance for the period concerned are proving approximately accurate; and what is the estimated number of illegal immigrants for the period concerned who remain but have not applied for amnesty.
LORD HARRIS or GREENWICHIt is not possible to make reliable estimates of the number of illegal entrants in the United Kingdom, of the number who might qualify to benefit under the Home Secretary's decision but have not yet applied, or of the average number of dependants who will qualify under the Immigration Rules. There is no time limit for making application. I am not clear to what computer calculations the noble Lord refers; but if he will write to me I will pursue the matter.