§ Lord Alliasked Her Majesty's Government:
What response they have received to the consultation paper on the refusal of entry to the United Kingdom of those with criminal convictions. [HL4362]
§ Lord Bassam of BrightonMy honourable friend the Minister of State for the Home Department (Mrs Roche) has received seven replies to the consultation paper. These were from the National Association for the Care and Resettlement of Offenders, the Immigration Law Practitioners' Association, the Law Society, Maria Fyfe MP, Jenny Jones MP, Sports Network and a member of the public. Copies have been placed in the Library.
The responses raised no fundamental objections to the proposals set out in the consultation paper. My honourable friend the Minister of State for the Home Department therefore intends to implement these, taking account of the comments received so far as possible. The relevant amendments to the Immigration Rules will be laid before Parliament for approval in due course.