HC Deb 19 July 1973 vol 860 cc182-3W
50. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is satisfied that sufficient police are available for the detection of illegal immigration and the investigation of connected protection rackets; and whether he will make a further statement about progress made in this regard.

Mr. Carlisle

My right hon. Friend is confident that the police devote a due proportion of their available resources to the detection of illegal immigration and connected offences, and that there will be no lessening of effort against those engaged in this traffic.

51. Mr. Evelyn King

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will now report on any investigations he has instituted into illegal immigration and inform the House if he is satisfied that his Department is receiving sufficient co-operation from the general public in detecting offenders; and what estimate he has made concerning the extent of the increase in these offences compared with a year ago.

Mr. R. Carr

Our measures to prevent and detect illegal entry are constantly reviewed and improved whenever possible. I am satisfied with the support we are receiving from the public. Because of the nature of illegal immigration it is impossible to make meaningful estimates of its extent: but we are aware of increasing pressure.