Written question asked by Andrew Mackinlay (Labour) on Thursday, 3 December 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 8 December 1998. It was answered by Tony Lloyd (Labour) on Tuesday, 8 December 1998 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, if he will name the diplomat criticised in the Ombudsman's recent report relating to maladministration in connection with a visa application by a UK businessman; and for what reasons his Department did not take the action recommended by the Ombudsman. - Including figure.

Answer: Mr. Mackinlay: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will name the diplomat criticised in the Ombudsman's recent report relating to maladministration in connection with a visa application by a UK businessman; and for what reasons his Department did not take the action recommended by the Ombudsman. [62948] Mr. Tony Lloyd: The diplomat involved is Sir David Gore-Booth, currently British High Commissioner in New Delhi. The FCO fully accepts the conclusions in the Ombudsman's report and has apologised to the complainant. In addition the FCO has offered him an ex gratia payment of £5,000 in compensation for the manner in which his complaints were handled.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 322 c168W; 62948
Session: 1998-99
Subjects: Applications Civil servants Diplomatic service Maladministration Visas
Contains statistics: Yes