HC Deb 12 February 1980 vol 978 cc529-30W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the annual cost to the taxpayer of seeking to detect illegal immigrants and overstayers.

Mr. Raison

The detection of illegal entrants and overstayers is part of the general functions of the immigration and nationality department of the Home Office, and of the police, and it is not possible to distinguish expenditure so incurred.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the number of people detained as a result of overstaying for each of the last five years.

Mr. Raison

Detention as an overstayer may occur pending charge and trial; pending consideration of a court recommendation for deportation; and pending the making and execution of a deportation order. Information about the numbers so detained is not available.

Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how many Humberside residents have been detained or removed from the United Kingdom as illegal immigrants or overstayers in each of the last five years.

by the hospitals managers that the prisoners will be admitted form those in which a vacancy is still being sought.

Mr. Raison

I regret that this Immigration information is not available.