Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 15 October 2002, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 23 October 2002. It was answered by Baroness Hughes of Stretford (Labour) on Wednesday, 23 October 2002 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how may apprehended clandestine immigrants have claimed to have entered the UK via Portsmouth ferry port but have been apprehended elsewhere in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. - Includes figures and fact that information requested is not held centrally and disproportionate cost.

Answer: Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many apprehended clandestine immigrants have claimed to have entered the UK via Portsmouth ferry port but have been apprehended elsewhere in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement. [75449] Beverley Hughes: The Home Office does not collate statistics in relation to where illegal immigrants claimed to have clandestinely entered the United Kingdom. Although attempts are made to capture this data the responses given are unreliable. Most claim not to know where they specifically entered the United Kingdom or where they embarked from in Europe, or are unwilling to divulge this information.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 75449; 391 c331W
Session: 2001-02
Subjects: Immigration controls Undocumented migrants Ports Refugees Portsmouth Channel crossing
Contains statistics: Yes
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk