HC Deb 05 February 1979 vol 962 cc1-2W
Miss Richardson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department on whose authority an immigration officer can submit a woman arriving at a port of entry as a would-be immigrant to a gynaecological examination, including a vaginal probe; what is the purpose of such examination; when the practice started and at what level in his Department it was known that it took place; in how many cases immigration officers have demanded such an examination during the last 12 months; what would be his attitude if such a case were referred to the European Commission of Human Rights; and if he will make a statement.

Mrs. Renée Short

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department under what authority medical officers at ports of entry are empowered to undertake gynaecological examinations of immigrants; when this practice was begun; by whom it was authorised; whether he will direct that it should cease forthwith; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

The authority for the medical examination of any person subject to immigration control who seeks entry to the United Kingdom is contained in paragraph 2 of schedule 2 to the Immigration Act 1971. The practice to be followed by the immigration service is laid down in the Immigration Rules for Control on Entry—paragraphs 58 to 60 of the rules applying to Commonwealth citizens, and paragraphs 60 to 62 of those applying to EEC and other non-Commonwealth nationals.

It is for the medical inspector or other qualified person to determine the extent of an examination, although the immigration officer may draw attention, for example, to a suspicion that a person suffers from a particular disease.

Although it has not been their normal practice, immigration officers have on rare occasions asked the medical inspector for his opinion on whether a passenger had borne children. That question may sometimes be relevant to a decision whether a person should be allowed to enter. Having reviewed the recent case to which my hon. Friend the Member for Barking (Miss Richardson) has drawn my attention, I have now given instructions that immigration officers should not ask the medical inspector to examine passengers with a view to establishing whether they have borne children or had sexual relations.

Miss Richardson

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many prospective women immigrants have been subjected to gynaecological examinations from each of the following countries of origin: Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, Cyprus, India, Malta, New Zealand, Pakistan, Portugal, Rhodesia and Spain.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

I regret that the information requested is not available.