HC Deb 25 June 1997 vol 296 cc512-4W
Mr. Malins

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the number of prosecutions that have been undertaken against foreign nationals for immigration offices, indicating(a) the offence, (b) the outcomes and (c) the maximum sentences passed for the last 12 months for which figures are available. [5340]

Mr. Michael

[holding answer 24 June 1997]: Court data for prosecutions of foreign nationals by the type of immigration offence committed are given in the tables:

Information given is for 1995 (latest available).

Table A. Number of defendants prosecuted at magistrates' courts and convicted at all courts for offences under the Immigration Act 1971 by type of offence and result, 1995
England and Wales
Offence1 description Proceeded against Found guilty Total sentenced Absolute or conditional discharge Fine Community sentence Fully suspended sentence Immediate custody Otherwise dealt with
Entering UK in breach of a deportation order [Sec 24 (1) (a)] 3 2 2 2
Entering UK without leave [Sec 24 (1) (a)] 24 10 10 8 2
Overstaying time limit of leave [Sec 24 (1) (b) (i), 24 (1) (c)] 11 6 6 1 1 4
Failure to observe conditions of leave [Sec 24 (10) (b) (ii), 24 (1) (d)] 11 5 5 3 2
Failure to observe restrictions under Schedule 2 or 3 as to reporting to police or an Immigration Officer as to residence [Sec 24 (1) (e)] 9 3 3 1 1 1
Foreign national failing to register with police or to produce documents etc. [Sec 26 (1) (f)]
Failing to supply necessary information when staying at hotels etc. [Sec 26 (1) (f)] 1
1Principal immigration offence.

Table B. Number of offenders fined at magistrates' courts for offences under the Immigration Act 1971 by type of offence and amount of fine,1995
England and Wales
Amount of fine
Offence1 description Total fined £50 £100 £150 £200 £250 £400 £500
Entering UK in breach of a deportation order [Sec 24 (1) (a)] 2 1 1
Entering UK without leave [Sec 24 (1) (a)] 8 3 1 3 1
Overstaying time limit of leave [Sec 24 (1) (b) (i), 24 (1) (c)]
Failure to observe conditions of leave [Sec 24 (10) (b) (ii), 24 (1) (d)] 2 1 1
Failure to observe restrictions under Schedule 2 or 3 as to reporting to police or an Immigration Officer as to residence [Sec 24 (1) (e)] 1 1
Foreign national failing to register with police or to produce documents etc. [Sec 26 (1) (f)]
Failing to supply necessary information when staying at hotels etc. [Sec 26 (1) (f)]
1Principal immigration offence.

Table C. Number of offenders sentenced to immediate custody at magistrates' courts for offences under the Immigration Act 1971 by type of offence and length of sentence, 1995
England and Wales
Length of sentence given
Offence1 description Total immediate custody 14 days One month Two months Three months
Entering UK in breach of a deportation order [Sec 24 (1) (a)]
Entering UK without leave [Sec 24 (1) (a)] 2 2
Overstaying time limit of leave [Sec 24 (1) (b) (i), 24 (1) (c)] 4 1 3
Failure to observe conditions of leave [Sec 24 (10) (b) (ii), 24 (1) (d)]
Failure to observe restrictions under Schedule 2 or 3 as to reporting to police or an Immigration Officer as to residence [Sec 24 (1) (e)] 1 1
Foreign national failing to register with police or to produce documents etc. [Sec 26 (1) (f)]
Failing to supply necessary information when staying at hotels etc. [Sec 26 (1) (f)]
1Principal immigration offence.