§ Lord AVEBURYasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will instruct port medical officers that, where they are minded to give advice regarding a person refused leave to enter the United Kingdom which conflicts with that of a consultant employed in a hospital administered under the National Health Service, in respect of a patient in the charge of the consultant, they should examine the patient first.
§ Lord CULLEN of ASHBOURNEIn the case which gave rise to the noble Lord's Question, I understand the decision on entry is being considered by my right honourable friend the Secretary of State for the Home Department.
An individual is always examined by a medical inspector before advice is given to an immigration officer whether or not to refuse entry on medical grounds. If the question of temporary entry then arises, it is a matter for a medical inspector's clinical judgment whether further examination is necessary thereafter before he gives advice to the immigration officer on whether that officer should exercise discretion to grant such entry.