HC Deb 04 May 1978 vol 949 cc216-7W
12. Mr. Hoyle

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish a list of the immigrants detained in prison for illegal entry, together with a list showing the period for which they have been detained, and their nationalities.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

Apart from those awaiting trial or serving sentences of imprisonment, there were on 19th April 102 people detained in prison as illegal entrants under the authority of an immigration officer. Fifty-four had been detained for one month or less; 22, for two months or less; 14, for three months or less; six, for four months or less; and six for more than four months, the longest period being almost 11 months.

Following are the details:

Illegal Entrants Detained in Prison on 19th April 1978
Country Number
Algeria 1
Bangladesh 12
China 1
Cyprus 1
Ghana 6
India 28
Iran 1
Mali 1
Mauritius 1
Mexico 1
Nigeria 11
Pakistan 30
Turkey 5
Stateless 3
Total 102

17. Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Deparatment how many illegal immigrants were deported during the last 12 months.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

In 1977, 496 persons were removed as illegal immigrants, and 125 persons who had entered lawfuly were deported for overstaying or failing to observe their conditions. A further 560 were deported after being convicted of various criminal offences—including overstaying—and recommended for deportation by a court.

36. Mr. Biggs-Davison

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement about illegal immigration.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

I refer the hon. Member to the statement that I made on 6th April.—[Vol. 947, cc. 647–8.]