HC Deb 21 February 1978 vol 944 cc575-6W
Mr. Arthur Lewis

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) whether he will publish in the Official Report a list of American citizens admitted into the United Kingdom for the longest and most convenient period of time for permanent residence and for temporary stay; in the latter case, what were the reasons for such temporary stay; and what action he has taken, or intends taking, to ensure that these citizens return when their temporary permits have expired;

(2) what was, for the longest and most convenient period of time, the total number of Iranian citizens admitted into Great Britain on a permanent and temporary basis and, in the latter instance, what were the reasons and objects of their visits; and what action has been, or will be taken, to ensure that they return in accordance with their conditions of entry;

(3) what was, for the latest and most convenient date, the actual or estimated number of Arabs in the United Kingdom, their countries of origin, the number that have been admitted permanently and on a temporary basis and, in the later case, the reasons and objects of their temporary stay; and what action has been, or will be taken, to ensure that these return in accordance with their temporary entry permits.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

The number of passengers admitted to the United Kingdom in 1976 is given, by nationality or citizenship and by purpose of journey, in the Control of Immigration Statistics 1976 (Cmnd. 6883). Consequently figures for Arabs in the United Kingdom are not available. Selective checks are made to ensure that persons have left at the end of their permitted stay.