asked Her Majesty's Government:

What was the outcome of the public consultation on the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002: Coercive Information Powers.

I have today placed in the Library of the House a copy of the official consultation process report following the public consultation exercise on the implementation of Sections 134–239 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002. These provisions will enable the immigration authorities to require employers and financial institutions to provide information in respect of specified individuals who are reasonably suspected of committing certain immigration offences. Their purpose is to strengthen our ability to deal with illegal working and fraud against the national asylum support arrangements. The new powers are closely drawn and are modelled on existing powers in social security legislation. A consultation paper seeking views on practical questions concerning the operation of the new powers was published on 19 March. The consultation process report summarises the comments received and our response. The new powers will come into force on 30 July, together with Section 129 of the 2002 Act relating to the supply of information by local authorities.