§ Mr. Corbettasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department under what authority the passports of some black and Asian visitors, refused permission to land in the United Kingdom but admitted on a temporary basis and released, are retained at ports of entry.
537W
§ Mr. Waddington[pursuant to his reply, 25 May 1984, c. 584]: A passenger is required to produce his passport or other document establishing his identity to the immigration officer when he is examined on his arrival. If the passenger is refused leave to enter the normal practice is for the immigration officer to retain his passport in order to facilitate arrangements for his removal. If, however, the passenger requests the return of his passport immigration officers (who have no authority to retain it) are instructed to comply with his request subject only to their being satisfied that he is the rightful holder of it. The same procedures apply to all passengers irrespective of their race or colour.