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Home Office

Answer

Mr. Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what consultations he has had on the impact on police resources of Mike Tyson's proposed visit to the United Kingdom; [123572] (2) between which dates his Department carried out its assessment of the financial and commercial impact of a decision to refuse permission for Mike Tyson to enter the United Kingdom; [123569] (3) which persons and organisations he consulted about the financial consequences of a decision to refuse permission for Mike Tyson to enter the United Kingdom; [123570] (4) what estimate he made of (a) the financial cost to British business and (b) the number of companies which would have suffered financially, if he had refused Mike Tyson permission to enter the UK for his proposed boxing match. [123565] Mr. Straw: In reaching my decision, I considered all relevant factors and weighed them against the statutory criteria in the Immigration Rules. In doing so, I recognised the potential economic benefits to the United Kingdom, as well as the policing implications. I also took account of the fact that there would be strength of feeling both for and against this entry into the United Kingdom. There is no statutory requirement for further consultation or assessment, and I was able to reach a decision on the basis of the information before use. I would also refer the hon. Member to the observations of the Minister of State, Home Office, on 23 May 2000, Official Report, columns 191-98WH. As she told the House, both she and I sought information from the Deputy First Minister, Scottish Executive, as to the possible impact of any visit on the police in Strathclyde before the final decision was made.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

350 c495-6W;350 c497-8W; 123572;123569;123570;123565

Session

1999-00

Subjects

Costs Police Overseas visitors Scotland Sports competitors Tyson, Mike

Link

View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk