§ Mr. Cyril D. Townsendasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to introduce selective immigration controls on embarkation; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. HurdIn the context of our membership of the European Communities I have decided that we can introduce simpler and more rapid procedures for the control by immigration officers of passengers leaving the country without impairing the overall effectiveness of immigration control. Arrangements will shortly be introduced for the selective control on the embarkation of British and other EC nationals. Arrangements will be made to ensure that immigration officers continue to assist in the identification of wards of court and others whom the police and other agencies wish to identify. I have no plans to introduce selective embarkation controls for other nationals or to introduce selective immigration controls for any passengers seeking to enter this country.