HC Deb 15 April 1988 vol 131 cc256-7W
Mr. Dicks

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the procedure for checking the medical condition of passengers arriving from abroad at Heathrow airport; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Renton

Immigration officers have the power to refer for medical examination any passenger subject to control who(a) intends to remain in the United Kingdom for more than six months; (b) mentions health or medical treatment as a reason for his visit; (c) appears not to be in good health; or (d) appears to be mentally or physically abnormal.

Immigration officers also have discretion, which the immigration rules require them to exercise sparingly, to refer for examination in any other case. Medical examinations are conducted by port medical inspectors, appointed by my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Social Services.

Mr. Dicks

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many passengers on flight BA 222 from Islamabad which arrived at Heathrow airport on the evening of Monday 11 April were referred for medical examination; and how many received subsequent treatment.

Mr. Renton

Twenty-four, none of whom was referred for treatment as a result.