TAN WAH PIOW (Illegal entry into United Kingdom)

[Mr Speaker in the Chair]

Dr Arthur Beng Kian Lam asked the Minister for Foreign Affairs whether he will ask the British Government for an explanation why it did not treat Tan Wah Piow as an illegal immigrant and did not deport him when it was known that he entered the United Kingdom on a forged document.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr S. Dhanabalan): Mr Speaker, Sir, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has pointed out in a diplomatic note to the British High Commission in Singapore that the British authorities had not taken action to deport Tan Wah Piow after it was known that he had entered the United Kingdom on falsified documents. The Ministry has requested an explanation of the reasons for this position and the present status of Tan Wah Piow which allows him to continue residing in the UK. A reply to the note is expected soon.