France bans Britain's migrant X-ray scanner... because it might breach health and safety

French authorities have blocked the use of the scanners, claiming they could breach European health and safety laws.

They have told British immigration officials that if they want to use the machines they will first have to clear it with those they are looking for.

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Effective: The X-ray scanners have stopped thousands of illegal immigrants from entering Britain

Given that the illegal immigrants do not want to be found, the chances of reaching such an agreement are zero, leaving the British no choice but to stop using the machines.

Immigration officials are said to be baffled by the decision.

The scanners - which have helped cut the number of illegal immigrants arriving in Dover by 88 per cent - emit less radiation than an ordinary hospital X-ray and are used elsewhere in Europe with great success.

The ban was also criticised by hauliers and politicians last night. Adam Holloway, Tory MP for Gravesham in Kent, said: "This appears extremely convenient for the French authorities who, once again, have come up with an excuse to move the problem of immigration control over to British soil.

"It is also yet another clear example of European Union overregulation."

Thousands of illegal immigrants come to Britain from France every year.

At Calais up to 1,000 gather every night, attracted by the short crossing and by the free food and shelter.

Although the notorious Sangatte camp was shut down five years ago, plans are being drawn up by the local council to open a second similar facility.

The immigrants' favoured way of crossing the Channel is to break into lorries which are waiting to make the crossing.

In a bid to combat this problem, in 2002 the French allowed the British to set up their own immigration controls in Calais.

Along with thermal-imaging devices and carbon dioxide detectors, British officers have been using gamma-ray scanners.

These £2million X-ray machines are run along the length of a lorry and create a detailed picture of its contents, removing the need for a physical search.

They have proved so effective that since their introduction the number of illegal immigrants caught in Dover fell by 88 per cent to 1,500 in 2006.

Any reduction in checks at Calais could see the numbers soar back up. The Government says the health risks are non-existent.

Anyone scanned receives a radiation dose equivalent to less than a thousandth of the background radiation they would normally receive in a year.

Officials say the scanners actually save lives because by finding stowaways they prevent deaths or health problems in transit.

But the French ordered the British to stop using the scanners after they re-examined European regulations - Euratom - which are designed to protect the public from radiation.

Everywhere from dentists to airports are affected by the initiative, which started last month.

A British Government source said: "The French have interpreted the regulations to say that written permission is needed from an individual before they are scanned.

"The UK does not think that is necessary and nor do the Belgians where we also operate one of these scanners."

He added: "The gamma ray scanners emit less radiation than ordinary hospital X-rays - we can't see what the problem is."

Another source in the immigration service added: "One can only assume that the French have got cold feet about this because they are worried about being sued for compensation by the illegal immigrants."

A Home Office spokesman said that while the scanners cannot be used, officials are still focused on checking lorries for migrants.