HL Deb 16 November 2004 vol 666 cc137-8WA
Lord Chan

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many foreign nationals have been deported after conviction (excluding those convicted of immigration offences) since 2000; and for what reasons. [HL4831]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

Information on the number of foreign nationals deported after conviction (excluding those convicted of immigration offences) is not collected centrally and would be available only at disproportionate cost.

A person convicted of a criminal offence may be recommended for deportation by the court which has the power to sentence him. The Secretary of State may give consideration to deportation on conducive grounds if the person has one conviction for a serious crime or several convictions for less serious crimes which, taken together and weighed against any compassionate circumstances, merit deportation. The fact that a court has decided not to make a recommendation does not debar the Secretary of State from taking such action himself but would be taken into account in consideration of the case.