§ Miss McIntoshTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he has taken to consult the freight transport industry over the recent amendments to the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Bill imposing fines on lorry operators. [64305]
§ Beverley HughesDue to the tight legislative timescale, a formal consultation process in respect of amendments to the penalty regime has not been possible on this occasion. There was widespread consultation prior to the introduction in April 2000 of the regime, the provisions for which are contained in the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. There was further consultation when the regime was extended first to rail freight trains and then to freight shuttle trains. Industry representatives and other interested parties have been informed about the proposed changes to the legislation and have been sent copies of the draft code of practice for determining the level of penalty. We would welcome their comments186W during the remainder of the parliamentary process, and meetings are being arranged between officials and representatives.