HC Deb 19 January 1978 vol 942 cc284-5W
Mr. Sever

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people, following his announcement on 29th November about illegal entrants. have applied to have their position regularised on the grounds that they entered the United Kingdom illegally by deception before 1973; and with what result

Mr. Merlyn Rees

Between 29th November 1977 and 17th January 1978 25 people applied or otherwise came to notice in this connection; in addition, a number of cases which came to notice before the date of my announcement are being investigated. During this period 11 people have been found ineligible to benefit; six have had their position regularised.

Mr. Woodall

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will bring to an end the present amnesty for certain illegal immigrants.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

I informed the House on 29th November 1977—[Vol. 940, c. 125–8]—that the strictly limited suspension of the use of removal powers to avoid certain retrospective effects of the Immigration Act 1971 will end on 31st December 1978.