HC Deb 24 June 1994 vol 245 cc327-8W
Mr. Spellar

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proposals his Department has to make it an offence to employ an illegal immigrant.

Mr. Charles Wardle

At present, although it is an offence knowingly to harbour an illegal entrant or an overstayer, there is no general requirement on employers to satisfy themselves as to the immigration status of their employees. The immigration service already gives priority to detecting those working here illegally and taking subsequent action to curtail their stay or remove them from the United Kingdom. The Government keep the law in this area under review and expect employers to behave responsibly.