39. Mr. ArthurLewis asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department why it took his Department until 11 February to deport Mr. Peter Mollenhoff and Miss Margaret Bachtrop, both German citizens, when they had been recommended for deportation in November 1980 after having been found guilty of shoplifting and living on social security payments of £40 a week since July 1979; and whether, in future, he will act more speedily to carry out court recommendations of deportation and thus save taxpayers' money.
§ Mr. RaisonBefore deportation orders could be signed it was necessary to wait for the expiry of the time for making an appeal against the recommendation of the court and for reports about the circumstances of the offence.
After the orders were signed, representations about the case were considered, there was a right of appeal against destination, and arrangements for removal had to be made. Recommendations for deportation received from the courts are dealt with as quickly as possible, priority being given to cases where the person concerned is detained.