HC Deb 03 February 1977 vol 925 cc232-3W
19. Mr. Shepherd

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why he is speeding up the entry of immigrant dependants from the Indian sub-continent at present.

Dr. Summerskill

The Immigration Act 1971 and the Immigration Rules approved by Parliament confer an entitlement on certain dependants, mainly wives and children, to join their heads of families here. There should be no avoidable delay in processing applications for entry clearance from such dependants. It does not mean any increase in their total number, but some reduction in the often lengthy wait they have to undergo.

30. Mr. Atkinson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will review the procedures in regard to the reception, method of interview by immigration officers, and the detention and conditions under which people are detained at ports, the arbitrary system of bail and lack of consistent rules governing the refusal to allow certain visitors to enter the United Kingdom.

Dr. Summerskill

Although I cannot accept the premises in the latter part of my hon. Friend's Question, the matters he raises are kept under continuous review.

Mr. Stokes

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the number of occasions with dates when the subject of immigration has been debated in the House of Commons since October 1974.

Dr. Summerskill

The occasions on which there were substantive debates are as follows:

  • 23.1.1975—Immigration—(Consolidated Fund Bill).
  • 15.7.1975—Immigration—(Adjournment debate).
  • 18.12.1975—Foreign and Commonwealth Nationals (Work Permits)—(Consolidated Fund Bill).
  • 19.12.1975—Immigrants (Advice Centres)—(Adjournment debate).
  • 4.3.1976—Race Relations Bill (Second Reading).
  • 24.5.1976—Immigration and Emigration—(Private Members' Motion).
  • 25.5.1976—Adjournment (Spring).
  • 28.5.1976—Pakistanis (Citizenship)—(Adjournment debate).
  • 5.7.1976—Immigration—(Supply Day).
  • 8.7.1976—Race Relations Bill—(Report and Third Reading).
  • 5.8.1976—Adjournment (Summer).
  • 25.10.1976—Mr. Jorgen Thorsen—(Adjournment debate).

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