HC Deb 01 May 1986 vol 96 c455W
Mr. Austin Mitchell

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to count Libyans in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Waddington

It is estimated from immigration records that there are about 7,000 Libyan nationals in the United Kingdom subject to immigration control.

Mr. Peter Bruinvels

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Libyan nationals have been deported to date; how many further Libyan nationals are likely to be removed; how many Libyan nationals remain in the United Kingdom; and if he will detail the specific purposes for those nationals being granted temporary residence.

Mr. Waddington

Since 1 January 1984, 41 Libyan nationals have been deported on the ground that their deportation was conducive to the public good in the interests of national security, relations with another country or for other reasons of a political nature. We cannot predict whether any further Libyans will be deported on similar grounds because every case must be considered individually in the light of information before us at the time, but my right hon. Friend will not hesitate to use to the full his powers under the Immigration Act 1971. It is estimated that there are about 7,000 Libyan nationals currently in the United Kingdom subject to immigration control and their basis of stay will vary widely. It is not possible to provide the specific detail requested except at disproportionate cost.

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