Written question asked by Dai Havard (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 July 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 14 July 2003. It was answered by Baroness Hughes of Stretford (Labour) on Monday, 14 July 2003 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, What measures he has agreed with the French government to ensure that illegal immigration from the Calais area is not displaced to other routes. (Failed OPQ)

Answer: Mr. Havard: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures he has agreed with the French Government to ensure that illegal immigration from the Calais area is not displaced to other routes. [125075] Beverley Hughes: We have agreed with the French to establish juxtaposed controls at Dunkirk and Boulogne as well as Calais. This will help counter immediate displacement from the Calais area by those seeking to use documents to board ferries. In addition those hiding in freight traffic bound for the United Kingdom are being targeted by the use of UK personnel detection technology loaned to French ports. Calais already has the capability to screen 100 per cent. of freight and screening will be introduced at Dunkirk and Cherbourg. We continue to meet regularly with the French to discuss how these projects and others relating to increased cross channel border security can best be taken forward. We are also in the process of providing new detection technology to Belgian ports.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 125075; 409 c57-8W;409 c57W
Session: 2002-03
Question not reached: Yes
Subjects: Cross border cooperation Immigration controls Undocumented migrants International cooperation France Calais
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk