Immigration (Provision of Physical Data) Regulations 2006

My Lords, we on these Benches thank the Minister. She has explained the regulations in as much detail as is necessary. They have been designed to tackle abuse of the immigration system. An authorised person will require an applicant to provide a fingerprint and a photograph. We would support measures to ensure that immigration rules are not evaded, but great care needs to be exercised in ensuring that a large number of law-abiding travellers are treated with dignity and respect. That discretion is to be exercised where appropriate. We would ask the Minister to maintain statistical records to ensure that the system is properly monitored and that it is not adversely used against travellers from certain countries. We believe that that is very important. We would like absolute assurance from the noble Baroness that the technology will be available in British posts abroad to undertake this. Those posts should be trained so as to ensure that proper cultural sensitivity is displayed, particularly when fingerprinting or photographing women who apply for entry clearance.