Written question asked by Lord Morris of Manchester (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 29 January 1997. It was answered by Liam Fox (Conservative) on Wednesday, 29 January 1997 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: If he will comment on the level of fees paid by foreign nationals requiring United Kingdom visas since 1st April 1996; what are the visa fees charged by other major European countries; what assessment he has made of the economic advantages accruing to countries charging less than the United Kingdom. - Inc ref to Consular Fees Order 1995 (SI 1995 No. 1617), Consular Fees Order 1996 (SI 1996 No. 1915), and fact that it would be possible to obtain the information requested on visa fees charged by other European countries only at disproportionate cost.

Answer: Mr. Alfred Morris: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the level of fees paid by foreign nationals requiring United Kingdom visas since 1 April 1996; what are the visa fees charged by other major European countries; what assessment he has made of the economic advantages accruing to countries charging less than the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [12733] Dr. Liam Fox: Details of the fees for processing applications for entry clearance for the United Kingdom from 1 April to 13 August 1996 are given in the Consular Fees Order 1995 (S.I. 1995 No.1617), and since 14 August 1996 in the Consular Fees Order 1996 (S.I. 1996 No. 1915). It would be possible to obtain the information requested on visa fees charged by other European countries only at disproportionate cost. We are not aware of any evidence that the UK is at an economic disadvantage because of the level of entry clearance fees. The United Kingdom is committed to achieving full cost recovery of the entry clearance operation overseas so that it functions at no cost to the taxpayer. This is in line with the Government's overall expenditure settlement.

Secondary information