HC Deb 09 May 1980 vol 984 cc295-6W
Mr. Chapman

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take fresh initiatives to identify and deport foreigners staying in the United Kingdom illegally, following the recent outbreak of political crimes and disturbances.

Mr. Raison

Extensive measures are already taken, and will continue to be taken, within the resources available to the Home Office and the police, to combat circumvention of the immigration control, whether by means of illegal entry or by breach of conditions imposed on lawful entry.

The computer, which is due to become operational this year, will produce information more reliably and quickly than at present in identifying cases in which overstaying may have occurred.

We shall not hesitate to make full use of the powers in the Immigration Act against terrorism and all other forms of crime.

Mr. Chapman

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will take new measures and initiatives to prevent London becoming the battleground for political disputes between foreigners.

Mr. Whitelaw

The actions of the police and the SAS in successfully bringing to an end the occupation of the Iranian embassy have demonstrated the Government's determination that political violence should not be encouraged by allowing terrorist blackmail to succeed. I am considering what further action would be effective and appropriate.