HC Deb 26 June 1972 vol 839 cc258-9W
Mr. Kilfedder

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will now seek powers to enable him to expel Irish Republican Army suspects from the United Kingdom who were born in Eire.

Mr. Lane

My right hon. Friend already has power to deport a citizen of Ireland who is convicted of an offence punishable by imprisonment and is recommended for deportation by the court. At present this power does not extend to an individual who has been continuously ordinarily resident in the United Kingdom for the preceding five years; but under the Immigration Act, 1971, length of residence will cease to be a bar to deportation, and in addition my right hon. Friend will have power to deport where he deems this to be conducive to the public good.