§ Mr. WinnickTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Iranian citizens were deported from the United Kingdom on grounds of public security in the last 12 months; and what further action is to be taken against Iranian nationals in the United Kingdom suspected of acting on instructions of the Iranian regime and whose presence may present a continuing danger to public security.
§ Mr. Peter LloydDuring the past 12 months, a total of 31 Iranian citizens have been served with notice of the intention to make deportation orders against them on the grounds that this would be conducive to the public good for reasons of national security; 29 of the 31 left the United Kingdom without an actual deportation order being made against them, one was deported and action on the other deportation order served has been deferred to await the outcome of current criminal proceedings.
I am unable to give any details of any possible further action but my right hon. and learned Friend will not hesitate to use the powers vested in him under the Immigration Act to require the departure of any overseas national whom he is satisfied poses a threat to the security of this country.