§ The Marquess of Ailesburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
What criminal offence is committed in actively assisting illegal immigration, and what is the maximum penalty for that offence.
The Minister of State, Home Office (Earl Ferrers)Under Section 25(1) of the Immigration Act 1971, it is an offence for anyone knowingly to secure to facilitate the entry to the United Kingdom of a person whom he knows or has reasonable cause for believing to be an illegal entrant. The maximum penalty on conviction on indictment is an unlimited fine and imprisonment for seven years.
In addition, under Section 25(2) of the 1971 Act, it is an offence for anyone knowingly to harbour a person whom he knows or has reasonable cause for believing to be an illegal entrant, overstayer or person who has failed to observe a condition attached to his leave. The maximum penalty, on summary conviction, is a fine of Level 5 on the standard scale and imprisonment for six months.