HC Deb 03 March 1986 vol 93 cc43-4W
Mr. Dubs

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the nature of the immigration service and police investigation at Liberty's in Regent street on 30 January 1985; and what was the immigration status of those interviewed or detained as a result.

Mr. Waddington

The visit to Liberty's department store on 30 January 1986 was initiated by the Metropolitan police to investigate suspected offences of theft. It was believed that certain of those whom the police intended to interview were subject to immigration control and it was therefore agreed that two members of the immigration service should attend to assist if questions of identity or immigration status arose.

A total of 19 persons were arrested. Five were subsequently charged with working in breach of conditions of leave to enter or remain, three were found to be illegal entrants and one was charged with overstaying. The others, though subject to immigration control, were not prohibited from taking employment and were accepted as lawfully present in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Dubs

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what were the dates and places since 30 March 1984 where major joint immigration-police operations were carried out in the whole of the United Kingdom; how many police officers and immigration officers, and of what rank, were involved for each operation; how many people, and of what nationalities, were (a) interviewed and (b) detained in each operation, for how long and where; and with regard to what breaches of immigration law these people were interviewed or charged.

Mr. Waddington

There have been no major joint operations specifically planned to investigate illegal entrants and overstayers since 30 March 1984.

Mr. Thurnham

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many immigrants from India, refused full entry to the United Kingdom, but admitted temporarily, apply on return to India to enter the United Kingdom as a fiancé or husband.

Mr. Waddington

The information requested is not available centrally.