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Written question asked by Lord Beith (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 12 February 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 February 1998. It was answered by Alun Michael (Labour) on Monday, 23 February 1998 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question
To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his Answer of 29th January, 305 c343W, in what circumstances a police road block can be used in conjunction with other agencies investigating (a) benefit fraud and (b) illegal immigration; on how many occasions these operations have taken place. - Inc ref to Road Traffic Act 1988.
Answer

Mr. Beith: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 29 January 1998, Official Report, column 343, in what circumstances a police road block can be used in conjunction with other agencies investigating (a) benefit fraud and (b) illegal immigration; on how many occasions these operations have taken place; and if he will make a statement. [29773] Mr. Michael: Police officers commonly carry out road checks on commercial vehicles to detect those which are being driven in a dangerous condition, are overloaded, unlicensed or committing other road traffic offences. Such checks may be carried out using the power to stop vehicles in section 163 of the Road Traffic Act 1988 (as amended). Where such checks are arranged, forces may invite other agencies to attend in case the police's inquiries reveal potential offences relevant to those agencies' responsibilities. Such multi-agency checks may include representatives from the Benefits Agency and the Immigration Service. No information is held centrally on the number of multi-agency checks which have taken place.

Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
29773; 307 c44W
Session
1997-98
Subjects
Abuse Fraud Undocumented migrants Police Social security Road blocks