§ Mr. Kenneth Clarkeasked the Secretary of State for Social Services how many persons have been refused national insurance cards on the grounds that they 190W were illegal immigrants, or have been discovered to be illegal immigrants, since checks on applicants were first introduced.
§ Mr. O'MalleyMy Department is required by law to issue a national insurance card to anyone who has a statutory liability or entitlement to pay national insurance contributions. Questions relating to illegal immigration are for my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department.
§ Mr. Warrenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services whether aliens, visiting Great Britain on holiday, are entitled to the issue of national insurance cards.
§ Mr. O'MalleyAliens visiting this country on holiday and not working are not required to obtain national insurance cards before 26 weeks' residence, but they are entitled to do so and may pay contributions voluntarily as non-employed persons within this time if they wish.
§ Mr. Warrenasked the Secretary of State for Social Services if her Department requires aliens to produce their passports before they are issued with national insurance cards.
§ Mr. O'MalleyNo; but I would refer the hon. Member to my reply to his previous Question on 30th April—[Vol. 872, c.404–5]—and my right hon. Friend's reply to the hon. Member for Sutton Coldfield (Mr. Fowler) on 7th May.—[Vol. 873, c. 187–88.]