Immigration

Part of Oral Answers to Questions — Home Department – in the House of Commons at 12:00 am on 21 January 1988.

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Photo of Mr Timothy Renton Mr Timothy Renton , Mid Sussex 12:00, 21 January 1988

I reject the charge of racism against our immigration authorities and officers. Both the Manchester Council for Community Relations and the Commission for Racial Equality have in recent reports said they believe that immigration officers discharge their obligations without regard to race, colour or religion, as they are required to do by the rules.

If we were to ask a question about enthnicity, it would have to apply to all passengers subject to immigration control. If we were to ask whether passengers were African, Asian or Arab in origin, the hon. Gentleman, or some of his colleagues, would be the first to complain.