Written question asked by John Bercow (Conservative) on Monday, 9 April 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Friday, 27 April 2001. It was answered by Keith Vaz (Labour) on Friday, 27 April 2001 on behalf of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Foreign and Commonwealth Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his Answer of 30th March, Official Report, column 797W, on entry clearance, how many of the cases involving entry clearance were investigated by the Minister for Europe; in how many cases the Department's judgment was overturned; in how many cases (a) a constituent of the Minister and (b) an individual covered by an interest declared by an honourable Member, was involved; by what mechanism conflicts of interest were avoided; and if he will make a statement. - Inc ref to 22 March 2001, 365 c316-7W.

Answer: Mr. Bercow: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to his answer of 30 March 2001, Official Report, column 797W, on entry clearance, how many of the cases involving entry clearance were investigated by the Minister for Europe; in how many cases the Department's judgment was overturned; in how many cases (a) a constituent of the Minister and (b) an individual covered by an interest declared by an hon. Member, was involved; by what mechanism conflicts of interest were avoided; and if he will make a statement. [158333] Mr. Vaz: I refer the hon. Member to the answer I gave to the hon. Friend the Member for Bury St. Edmunds (Mr. Ruffley) on 22 March 2001, Official Report, columns 316-17W. In accordance with normal Government practice, I do not make decisions on visa cases relating to my own constituency. I will only investigate cases brought to me by right hon. and hon. Members, who I would expect to declare any particular interest in a case when making their representations to me.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 158333; 367 c420W
Session: 2000-01
Subjects: Departmental responsibilities Conflict of interests Entry clearances Ministerial powers Ministers Visas
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk