§ Mr. Atkinsonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will list the precise requirements for granting bail to holders of entry certificates and Letters of Consent who have been refused admittance to the United Kingdom, so that friends and relations and those representing refused visitors can clearly understand what is required, thus eliminating a multiplicity of journeys;
(2) what instructions relative to the amounts or the character of bail sureties have been issued to immigration officers who act on the powers conferred by paragraphs 29(2) of Schedule 2 to the Immigration Act; and what are the conditions which necessitate a different approach being adopted by immigration officers as distinct from the police.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesI regret that instructions to the Immigration Service as to the conditions on which bail may be granted to appellants under the Immigration Act 1971 are confidential. I hope, however, it will be of assistance to my hon. Friend if I explain that I do not think it would be helpful to attempt to lay down precise criteria on this matter for the guidance of prospective sureties, because the requirements vary according to the circumstances of the individual case. I am not aware that there is a divergence of approach between the Immigration Service and the police; it is of course necessary to have regard to the financial standing of the surety and346W whether he stands in such proximity to the person concerned as to be likely to be able to exercise some control over him.