§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he next intends to meet with French authorities to discuss the operation of checks conducted at French ports to prevent illegal immigrants entering the United Kingdom. [17653]
§ Angela Eagle[holding answer 27 November 2001]: The Home Secretary will next be meeting Interior Minister Vaillant at the United Kingdom-France summit on 29 November to discuss a range of bilateral issues, including cross-channel illegal immigration and the effectiveness of checks conducted on persons and vehicles.
§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received in relation to the operation of checks conducted at French ports to prevent illegal immigrants entering the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [17647]
§ Angela Eagle[holding answer 27 November 2001]: A wide range of interested parties have been in contact with both the Home Secretary and officials on the issue of checks at French ports. These include transport operators, Members of Parliament, and the general public.
Ministers and officials have also discussed this matter with their French counterparts in the course of regular discussions about cross-channel issues.