The bill allows largely unaccountable immigration officials powers to enter and search property, in some cases even without a warrant, to seize items and to close down businesses.

There was no question of the bailiffs identifying property belonging to the debtor: they were going to seize items indiscriminately to the value of the debt.

This challenge was on the ground that the provision violated his right to privacy by authorising inspectors to search his commercial premises and to seize items without a warrant.