HL Deb 13 February 1995 vol 561 cc26-8WA
Lord Brabazon of Tara

asked Her Majesty's Government:

To list, by airline—(a) the total amount each airline has been fined under the provisions of the Immigration (Carriers Liability) Act 1987 since it came into force; (b) the total amount each airline owes in unpaid fines to date; (c) the date on which the first unpaid fine was incurred.

The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Blatch)

It is not the policy of the Government to disclose the amount of charges incurred by individual carriers. Since the Immigration (Carriers' Liability) Act 1987 came into force the total amount incurred at 31st December 1994 was £75,700,000. The total amount remaining outstanding was £24,500,000. The earliest charge still outstanding dates from 13th July 1987.

Lord Brabazon of Tara

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What steps they are taking to recover unpaid fines imposed on airlines under the Immigration (Carriers's Liability) Act 1987; what penalties are being imposed for non-payment; and whether any terms have been offered to non-payers to achieve a settlement of unpaid fines.

Baroness Blatch

We actively pursue all carriers who have outstanding charges, including through the courts where necessary. There are currently 11 writs outstanding covering charges amounting to £5.2 million.

There is no provision within the Act to impose any extra penalty on carriers who do not pay charges promptly.

The statutory amount charged for each inadequately documented passenger is not negotiable; the Home Office does not offer terms in order to achieve a settlement. Carriers are, however, able to make representations on whether charges should have been levied in individual cases.