HC Deb 18 July 1995 vol 263 cc1034-5W
Mr. Thurnham

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to ensure that the Immigration (Carriers' Liability) Act 1987 is properly enforced and to ensure rapid payment of any fines levied on carriers. [33995]

Mr. Nicholas Baker

Enforcement of the Act forms an integral part of the Government's strategy for ensuring an effective immigration control. The immigration service assists carriers in meeting their obligations under the Act through an extensive programme of guidance and training. It has, for example, provided training to carriers on 325 separate occasions at ports of embarkation worldwide since the Act was introduced.

At 30 June 1995 a total of £80.20 million had been incurred by carriers under the Act. Of this sum 79.7 per cent. had either been paid, £46.11 million, waived following representations by carriers, £10.60 million, or was the subject of settlement proposals, £7.20 million. The remaining 20.3 per cent., £16.29 million, is being rigorously pursued as part of an active debt recovery programme, which includes recourse to litigation where necessary.