HC Deb 16 December 1977 vol 941 cc521-2W
Miss Richardson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidelines have been issued to those responsible for dealing with applications for the benefit of the recent amnesty to certain illegal immigrants; and it he will place a copy in the Library.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

Applicants will be interviewed by members of the immigration service, who will inspect any documentary evidence available and make any consequential inquiries to verify the claimed facts of entry. If the applicant satisfies us, on the balance of probabilities, that he is eligible to benefit under the terms of my announcement, he will be given indefinite leave to remain.

The cases of applicants found ineligible to benefit from the announcement will be considered very carefully in the light of all the relevant circumstances and on their individual merits. No one who applies to benefit will be expelled from the United Kingdom, whether by formal deportation or otherwise, unless his case has been examined personally by a Minister.