HC Deb 27 April 1989 vol 151 cc634-5W
Sir Dudley Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many British international airports still retain a passport entry desk for United Kingdom citizens only.

Mr. Renton

None.

Sir Dudley Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether all European Community countries have agreed to discontinue national channels at passport control entry at airports in favour of joint ones for European Community citizens.

Mr. Renton

This is a matter for national decision and practice varies throughout the Community. Where passenger volume makes it desirable to present passengers to more than one channel most EC countries direct all EC nationals to a special channel.

Sir Dudley Smith

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department why entry desks for British citizens only at passport control at Heathrow have been discontinued.

Mr. Renton

My right hon. Friend announced to the House on 14 December 1988, at column 576, the Government's intention to introduce in the spring a single immigration channel for all nationals of the EC (including British nationals) entering the country. Implemented from 10 March, this is a practical demonstration of our readiness, in line with the spirit of the Single European Act, to reduce as far as possible the levels of immigration checks on other EC nationals. There has been no change in our arrangements for immigration controls on nationals of non-EC countries.