§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in how many cases in the past year immigration appeal adjudicators have criticised his Department for delays in checking evidence of identity using DNA test results; in how many appeal cases in the past year his Department has applied for appeals to be adjourned; and in how many cases in the past year immigration appeal adjudicators have refused his Department's adjournment applications.
§ Mr. RentonThis information is not available but I can confirm that where DNA evidence is produced before the appellate authorities unexpectedly or at short notice it is the practice of the Department to apply for an adjournment so that checks can be made to ensure that the DNA test report is reliable, including in particular that the recommended procedures for blood sampling have been followed.
§ Mr. MarlowTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements will be made for the automatic return to France of passengers not accepted for entry into the United Kingdom who have passed through the Channel tunnel and subsequently French immigration controls.
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§ Mr. RentonThe arrangements which will be made for the immigration control of passengers using the Channel tunnel are still under consideration. Officials are discussing them with officials of the French Government.