Written question asked by Phil Woolas (Labour) on Tuesday, 19 October 2010, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 21 October 2010. It was answered by Damian Green (Conservative) on Monday, 25 October 2010 on behalf of the Home Office.

Border Controls: France

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent discussions she has had with the French government on the border controls at (a) Calais, (b) Gare du Nord and (c) Charles de Gaulle airport.

Answer: The UK holds regular discussions, at both ministerial and official level, with the French authorities on the issue of border controls at French ports, including Calais. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary and I have both met with French counterparts to discuss migration issues, including the juxtaposed controls and wider bilateral co-operation, and it is expected that agreement will soon be reached on the next phase of UK-France collaboration at the border controls at Calais and other northern ports.The Secretary of State has not held any recent discussions with the French Government on border controls at Paris Gare du Nord or Charles de Gaulle airport. The UK Border Agency operates immigration controls at Gare du Nord where UK Border Agency officials are in regular contact with their French counterparts about matters of mutual interest and to ensure the security of the UK border. No rail services operate to the UK from Charles de Gaulle Airport and there is no UK border control at the location.

Secondary information