Written question asked by Lord Laird (Ulster Unionist Party), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord West of Spithead (Labour) on Thursday, 25 March 2010.

Visas

Question: To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answers by Lord West of Spithead on 12 January (WA 148) and on 23 February (WA 296), whether they collate statistics on the number of foreign students granted visas to study at particular private colleges; and, if so, why it is commercially sensitive to provide details of the number of visas per college.

Answer: The UK Border Agency can collate statistics on the number of foreign students granted visas to study at particular private colleges if needed, but we do not do so regularly, except when we are making checks to ensure compliance with our rules. Publication of such data would make commercially important information about the college's activities available to competitors and could put the private college at an unfair disadvantage.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 2874; 718 c330WA
Session: 2009-10
Related items: Visas
Tuesday, 23 February 2010
Written questions
House of Lords; Visas
Wednesday, 7 April 2010
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House of Lords; Higher Education: Infonexus College
Tuesday, 12 January 2010
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House of Lords
Subjects: Disclosure of information Entry clearances Private education Overseas students Visas
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk