Oral question asked in the House of Commons, by Lord Lancaster of Kimbolton (Conservative). It was answered on Monday, 10 October 2005 on behalf of the Home Office.

Border security

Question: I am grateful to the Minister for his answer. I think that he said that only 16 of the official ports were manned 24 hours a day. Why are the other 13 not manned as well?

Answer: The hon. Gentleman should, if he is serious, ask why the 350 ports up and down the country, including regularised and unregularised airfields, are not staffed—[Interruption.] I should be very keen to hear the shadow Chancellor's comments on the Conservatives' manifesto commitments. It is clear that we must improve our borders, and we are using technology to do so. Some of that is being implemented already. Hon. Members will be aware that embarkation controls were first lifted in 1994, and quite rightly. We need to adopt an intelligence-led approach, and that is what we are doing. In answer to the hon. Gentleman's question, some ports are staffed, and some utilise electronics. Over the course of time, we shall get to a stage where we have the secure borders that we deserve.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 437 c2-3
Session: 2005-06
Oral question type: 1st Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Commons chamber
Related items: Border security
Monday, 10 October 2005
Oral questions
House of Commons
Subjects: Borders Immigration controls
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk