§ Mr. Alex CarlileTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to make a statement concerning the outcome of his Department's pilot study into the use of DNA fingerprinting for the identification of genuine applicants for immigration into the United Kingdom; and if he will provide statistics evidencing the use of DNA testing techniques during the pilot study, and the results.
§ Mr. RentonMy right hon. Friend expects to place a copy of the report of the pilot trial in the Library shortly. The report will include statistical information about the outcome of DNA tests during the trial.
§ Mr. DicksTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many passengers arriving at Heathrow airport from abroad during 1987 were new arrivals to the United Kingdom; and how many were referred for medical examination on arrival.
§ Mr. RentonInformation about the total number of new arrivals is not available, but in 1987 14,387 passengers were given leave to enter for settlement on first arrival at Heathrow airport. In the 12 months 1 April 1986 to 31 March 1987 34,708 passengers at Heathrow were referred by immigration officers for medical examination. This figure includes other categories in addition to settlement cases. The figures for 1987 are not yet available.
§ Mr. DicksTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many immigration officers are employed at Heathrow airport; and how many are medically qualified.
§ Mr. RentonOn 29 February 1988, 533 immigration officers were in post at Heathrow airport. As far as I am aware, none is medically qualified.