§ Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the Government's policy is in relation to deciding which airline should be used for a deportation; and if he will make a statement. [27845]
§ Angela Eagle[holding answer 16 January 2002]: The powers relating to the removal of persons subject to immigration control are contained in schedule 2 to the Immigration Act 1971 (paragraphs 8–15).
Where the cost of removal falls to be met by the company responsible for bringing the person to the United Kingdom, the choice of carrier would be a matter for that company. Where the cost falls to public funds, we would normally give directions for removal on the first available flight to the country concerned.