§ Dr. Julian LewisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about the fine imposed on a haulier at Dover who voluntarily reported his discovery of illegal immigrants in his lorry. [135022]
§ Mrs. RocheWithout more detail I am not sure to which haulier the hon. Member is referring. Any haulier who suspects that persons are concealed in their vehicle should report the matter immediately to the authorities, whether in the United Kingdom or abroad. To do otherwise may give rise to suspicion that they are deliberately involved in facilitating the illegal entry of such persons. If a haulier has taken proper measures to secure his vehicle in accordance with the Code of Practice for Vehicles, he will have grounds for establishing a defence against the Civil Penalty that may be imposed. Where a penalty is imposed there are thirty days in which to lodge a notice objecting to liability.