HC Deb 09 February 1968 vol 758 c249W
Mr. Powell

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are taken to enforce guarantees of maintenance given as a condition of the admittance of immigrants to this country.

Mr. Ennals

I understand that the right hon. Member has Commonwealth immigrants in mind. Where the question of maintenance is relevant it is carefully investigated before it is decided whether to admit the immigrant; but there is no power to make admission conditional on fulfilment of any undertaking.

Mr. Powell

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if, when a person is permitted to enter this country as being betrothed to a resident, the initial permission is limited in duration and extended only upon satisfactory evidence that the relevant marriage has been solemnised.

Mr. Ennals

Yes, exceptional circumstances apart.