AN EAST Lancashire MP has hit out over the Government's handling of immigration figures.
Nigel Evans, who represents the Ribble Valley, has criticised the Home Secretary Jacqui Smith over allegations that she concealed the fact that thousands of illegal immigrants had been authorised to work in sensitive Government security posts.
He said: "To be hauled before the Commons to explain your conduct is never a good sign.
"The fact that, in the Home Secretary's case, it is within six months of her appointment could be a sign of incompetence, or a cover-up.
"We are looking at a potential situation where the Home Office is apparently trying to tackle the problem of illegal immigration by giving illegal immigrants jobs in Government security.
"If it is true, it is shocking.
"The figures quoted are that up to 5,000 Government security workers did not have legal permission to be in Britain."
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