LABOUR PARTY ATTITUDES
The official opposition has failed dismally to present a convincing alternative. with the Rt Hon member for Yeovil I can say
that I disagree, but acknowledge that he has put his case honestly
and in a way which is intellectually coherent.
Where
Neither description fits the approach taken by the Labour
front bench. Their policy is characterised by incoherence.
it is not incoherent, it is irresponsible.
It was summed up admirably by the Rt Hon member for Sparkbrook
in BBC radio interview on 5 April. Let me give the House the key
exchange.
"Question:
So how many should have passports?
Answer:
I don't know what the number is and I don't think
about the number
I actually think our figure
•
will turn out to be less than the Government's.
But I don't know and I've not calculated our
procedure on holding a figure down."
The Rt Hon member for Sparkbrook pontificates about immigration
policy. What is his policy? Throughout my time as Home Secretary,
the Rt Hon gentleman and his party attacked vigorously every effort
to stop the abuse of immigration laws. The use of visas to prevent
the immigration service at our airports being overwhelmed; the Carriers' Liability Act; Immigration Act 1988 with its powers to deal promptly with overstayers they opposed the lot.
J
For the last four years, the Rt Hon gentleman has been popping up and down on television proclaiming that this or that individual or group of people should be allowed into the country. But on no
account should the rules be tightened up.
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