Clause 53

Borders, Citizenship and Immigration Bill [Lords]

Public Bill Committees, 16 June 2009, 4:30 pm

Fingerprinting of foreign criminals liable to automatic deportation

Question proposed, That the clause stand part of the Bill.

Photo of Phil Woolas

Phil Woolas (Minister of State (the North West), Home Office; Oldham East & Saddleworth, Labour)

Clause 53 is a minor amendment to the UK Border Agency’s existing powers to take fingerprints, to ensure that the agency can take fingerprints of all foreign criminals subject to the automatic deportation provisions in the UK Borders Act 2007 at the earliest possible opportunity. The House and the country want us to deport foreign national prisoners in an efficient and effective system. We seek the power to ensure that we have the fingerprints at the earliest possible opportunity.

Question put and agreed to.

Clause 53 accordingly ordered to stand part of the Bill.