HC Deb 05 November 2001 vol 374 cc80-1W
Miss McIntosh

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what security profile is carried out on refugees arriving in the UK. [8150]

Angela Eagle

All arriving passengers are presented to the United Kingdom immigration controls where they are examined by an immigration officer before being allowed into the UK.

That examination includes checking personal details against the Immigration Service Warnings Index. The Warnings Index computer system is the primary tool for providing information to staff operating the immigration entry control. It maintains records of passengers who have, for example, previously been refused entry or been deported, and also contains information for the purposes of national security and the detection and prevention of crime. All Immigration Service staff at control points have access to the Warnings Index and portable equipment is available for use elsewhere when needed. All arriving asylum applicants are checked against the system.