HC Deb 23 February 1981 vol 999 cc274-6W
Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many immigration appeals cases were referred to him and other Ministers by hon. Members in 1980; what were the figures for the previous five years; and what percentage was successful in each case.

Mr. Raison

The information is not available in the form requested. In 1980, however, almost 11,500 letters about immigration and nationality matters were received from hon. Members, most of which related to individual cases. It is not possible to identify how many of these cases were the subject of an appeal to the immigration appellate authorities.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many immigration appeals were brought by (a) immigrants and (b) his Department in 1980; how many in each category were heard by (i) an immigration appeals adjudicator and (ii) the Immigration Appeal Tribunal; in each of these four categories how many appeals were successful; and what were the figures for successful appeals in each of the four categories in each year since 1975.

Mr. Raison

The information in the following tables shows the total number of appeals disposed of in each year since 1975 by adjudicators and the Immigration Appeal Tribunal and the number of these which were successful. Appeals to the tribunal by immigrants and by this Department are shown separately. All appeals to adjudicators are by immigrants.

The table of appeals to adjudicators relates to the number of appeals by individuals, whereas the tables of appeals to the tribunal relate to the number of cases disposed of—where one case can involve more than one appeal.

Appeals to Adjudicators
Year Total Disposals Number of Appeals Allowed
1975 10,937 1,302
1976 12,412 1,297
1977 11,671 1,273
1978 11,455 1,355
1979 13,176 1,566
1980 16,599 2,007
Immigration Appeal Tribunal
Appeals by Immigrants (appeals at first instance or against Adjudicator's decision)
Year Total Disposals Number of Appeals Allowed
1975 190 34
1976 603 98
1977 257 39
1978 342 37
1979 311 46
1980 392 79
Immigration Appeal Tribunal
Appeals by Home Office against Adjudicator's decision
Year Total Disposals Number of Appeals Allowed
1975 58 22
1976 136 56
1977 70 40
1978 95 49
1979 74 40
1980 80 26

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he is satisfied with the present working of the immigration appeals system; what are his plans for the future of the system; if he plans to set up an independent review of the system; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Raison

An internal review of the immigration appeals system has been carried out. A report will be published in due course, in the form of a discussion document, and sent to interested organisations for comment.