Forfeiture of detained property

Question proposed, That the clause stand part ofthe Bill.

I have a technical question for the Minister. Subsection (1) says:

“A court making a forfeiture order about property may order that the property be taken into the possession of the Secretary of State (and not of the police).”

I assume that that allows the property to be forfeited to immigration officers, but I should be grateful for clarification as to what the practical effect of that part of the clause would be.

The hon. Gentleman’s assumption is correct. The purpose of the clause is to give the courts extended powers so that property can be forfeited to the Secretary of State and immigration officers acting on behalf of the Secretary of State. At the moment, forfeiture is to the police rather than to the Secretary of State. The purpose of the clause is, therefore, exactly as he outlines.

Question put and agreed to.

Clause 21 ordered to stand part of the Bill.