§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 14 December,Official Report, column 693 on what grounds the immigration officer was satisfied that the requirements of section 128–130 of the immigration rules effective on 1 October 1994 were complied with in relation to the crew of the Ofelia having regard to its journey from Ullapool 962W on or about 10 December 1994 to Lerwick; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Nicholas BakerA relief crew for the FV Ofelia arrived at Glasgow airport on 10 December 1994 and they were given leave to enter as the immigration officer was satisfied that they were seamen under contract to join a ship on which they were to leave the United Kingdom. I understand the Ofelia has now arrived in Lerwick from Ullapool in order to take on fuel prior to leaving British waters with possible further stops at United Kingdom ports en route.
§ Ms WalleyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will immediately investigate the manning of FV Ofelia in or near Lerwick harbour and in British waters in respect of contravention of immigration rules.
§ Mr. Nicholas BakerThe present crew of the FV Ofelia were given leave to enter the United Kingdom at Glasgow airport on 10 December on condition that they joined the vessel and subsequently left the United Kingdom in that vessel. The Immigration Act 1971 contains powers to deal with seamen who fail to comply with the conditions of their admission and the Immigration Service will not hesitate to use these where necessary. I therefore see no need for any further investigation.