§ Mr. Wardasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent formal complaints he has received about the handling of immigration by officials in his Department.
§ Dr. SummerskillRepresentations against decisions and complaints about the operation of official procedures in individual cases are received from hon. Members and others from time to time. If my hon. Friend has any particular matter in mind I should be glad to look into it if he would let me have the details.
§ Mr. Biggs-Davisonasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is satisfied that there is adequate machinery to counter illegal immigration; what consideration has been given to the increase of penalties; and whether he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Merlyn ReesAll reasonable and practicable measures are taken to prevent illegal entry; these are continuously reviewed and modified in the light of experience. As I told the House on 9th February, we are also considering measures to ensure that all applicants for employment are entitled to take it. Illegal entry can already lead to summary removal, and, on conviction, to a sentence of up to six months' imprisonment. The organisers face sentences of up to seven years' imprisonment as well as unlimited fines. The courts have not hesitated to pass substantial sentences in such cases. I keep the penalties under review, but I see no need at present to increase them.