HC Deb 13 January 1986 vol 89 cc457-8W
Mr. Winnick

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will arrange for discussions to take place with relevant immigrant welfare organisations regarding the position of sponsors waiting for passengers at Heathrow airport who are undergoing lengthy and non-continuous interviewing;

(2) if he is satisfied with the arrangements at Heathrow airport for sponsors of passengers subject to lengthy and non-continuous interviewing to be kept informed of the up-to-date position; and if he will make a statement;

(3) if he will arrange for the immigration authorities at Heathrow airport to set up an inquiry desk where sponsors of passengers subject to lengthy interviewing can be given the fullest up-to-date position.

Mr. Waddington

Representatives of a number of organisations representing immigrants or concerned with immigration and community relations matters have visited Heathrow in recent months and have observed the immigration control in operation. Some have discussed with officials the position of sponsors waiting for passengers and their comments have been carefully noted. Our officials are prepared to make similar arrangements for representatives of other interested organisations.

There are a number of reasons, including the pressures on immigration officers at Heathrow, which contribute to difficulties in providing prompt and adequate information to sponsors. The main difficulty arises where the sponsor knows that a flight on which a particular passenger is expected has landed but his inquiries cannot be answered because the passenger has not yet reached the initial control, is being examined on that control or, having passed through it, is awaiting his or her baggage in the Customs Hall. If it is decided that a passenger has to be questioned at greater length than is possible on the initial control, inquiries can generally be answered promptly, but there are occasions when the large number of passengers requiring further examination causes delay.

Communications at terminal 3 should shortly be improved by the installation of an immigration booth and courtesy telephone giving direct access to the Immigration Office. The situation will be kept under review.