HC Deb 06 February 1979 vol 962 cc89-90W
Mr. Budgen

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether substantially more resources to trace overstayers and to tackle all aspects of illegal immigration have been afforded to the police, the Immigration Service Intelligence Unit and other authorities since July 1978.

Mr. John

The immigration and nationality department of the Home Office devotes a significant part of its resources to tackling illegal entry and overstaying. It has not been possible to make substantial increases in those resources in the period in question, but ways in which resources might be used more effectively are being developed.

The police are well aware that the Government attach considerable importance to effective action being taken against people who attempt to evade the immigration laws, but the extent to which police manpower is used for this purpose is a matter for individual chief officers of police.

Mr. Budgen

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will publish an interim report on his discussions with both sides of industry to provide effective sanctions against employers who knowingly employ over-stayers and illegal immigrants.

Mr. Merlyn Rees

It is proving difficult to devise additional measures for dealing with unauthorised employment that are both practical and acceptable. The matter remains under consideration, however, and I will report to the House when a conclusion has been reached.