The World - News from March 17, 1987

The number of immigrants applying for refugee status in Britain has fallen sharply since the government warned airlines and shipping companies they would be fined if they carried passengers without proper documents. Home Secretary Douglas Hurd said there were only 12 applications for asylum in the first week of March, compared to 60 a week for the past three months. Hurd added that if necessary, he would not hesitate to increase the penalties, which would be allowed under provisions of an immigration bill currently being debated in Parliament.