Written question asked by Alistair Carmichael (Liberal Democrat) on Wednesday, 26 November 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 17 December 2003. It was answered by Baroness Hughes of Stretford (Labour) on Wednesday, 17 December 2003 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what assessment his Department has made of the number of people trying to gain illegal entry into the United Kingdom on unregistered ships; and what steps are being taken to tackle this.

Answer: Mr. Carmichael: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment his Department has made of the number of people trying to gain illegal entry into the United Kingdom on unregistered ships; and what steps are being taken to tackle this. [140673] Beverley Hughes: There is no official estimate of the number of people trying to enter the United Kingdom illegally but the threat from people trying to gain entry illegally on unregistered shipping is currently regarded as low. However the situation is continually monitored and reviewed. The Immigration Service works in close co-operation with the coastguard, HM Customs and Excise and the police to monitor the movements of small boats. This has included two joint operations this year involving the interception of suspect vessels.

Secondary information