§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will improve the waiting and interviewing facilities at Her Majesty's immigration office, Heathrow.
§ Mr. JohnThe provision of accommodation at Heathrow for the purpose of examining passengers under the Immigration Act 1971 is the responsibility of the British Airports Authority. The Immigration Service is negotiating with the Authority for improvements in the arrivals control at terminal 3.
§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will indicate the establishment of Her Majesty's immigration office at Heathrow and by how much the office is below establishment.
§ Mr. JohnOn 28 February the position was as follows:
Patrial Non-patrial Refused entry (millions) 1974 … 4.5 3.9 3,960 1975 … 4.2 4.3 4,847 1976 … 4.2 5.0 5,466 1977 … 4.2 5.4 6,083 1978 … 5.1 5.7 7,790 Totals for embarking passengers are approximately the same.
751WThe strength of the Immigration Service at Heathrow on 1st April each year was:
1974 … … … 549 1975 … … … 558 1976 … … … 558 1977 … … … 557 1978 … … … 559 During the period from May to October each year, approximately 75 additional staff were employed on a temporary basis to cover the embarkation controls.
Increase in the strength of the Immigration Service at a number of ports, including Heathrow, have been approved.
§ Mr. Skeetasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department when substantial funds were last spent on Her Majesty's immigration office at Heathrow; and whether he is contemplating further office improvements in staff facilities to reduce congestion.
§ Mr. JohnThe most recent improvements to office accommodation for immigration staff at Heathrow involving substantial costs were completed in April 1977. No further extension of that accommodation is planned at present.