HC Deb 07 June 2000 vol 351 cc240-1W
Ms Jenny Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if Steve Fitch has applied to enter the UK with Mike Tyson; [124389]

(2) if he will list the names of the personnel seeking to enter the UK with Mike Tyson as part of his support team; [124388]

(3) what checks are being made on personnel seeking to enter the UK with Mike Tyson as part of his support team with regard to establishing previous convictions for serious offences. [124387]

Mr. Straw

We do not at present know who will be applying for entry to the United Kingdom as part of Mike Tyson's support team. But the question of whether entry may be granted to those accompanying him will be considered by the Immigration Officer on arrival in the normal way.

It would be open to Immigration Officers to question them about any relevant matters, including their criminal convictions. However, they are likely to do so only if there is reason to believe that any of them has a relevant conviction. This is to ensure consistency with existing practice. Proposals in our consultation paper would introduce the requirement for all non-European Union passengers to declare convictions resulting in imprisonment. It would be premature to implement those proposals while the consultation process is still ongoing.

In the case of Steve Fitch, we are aware that he has relevant convictions. In January, Mr. Fitch was granted entry for an extremely limited period, and he observed the conditions imposed on his stay. If he is part of Mr. Tyson's entourage on this occasion, his application for entry will be considered separately in accordance with the Rules.