Written question asked by Lord Risby (Conservative) on Wednesday, 28 March 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 3 April 2001. It was answered by Keith Vaz (Labour) on Tuesday, 3 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, if (a) he, (b) the Permanent Under Secretary and (c) the Director for the Public Departments was notified (i) orally and (ii) in writing about the Minister for Europe's decisions to reverse visa refusals. - (Holding answer 2 April 2001).

Answer: Mr. Spring: To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if (a) he, (b) the Permanent- Under Secretary and (c) the Director for the Public Departments was notified (i) orally and (ii) in writing about the Minister for Europe's decisions to reverse visa refusals. [156530] Mr. Vaz: [holding answer 2 April 2001]: I have overturned visa refusals only at the request of right hon. and hon. Members, if I am satisfied that the applicants qualify under the Immigration Rules. In such cases the Joint Entry Clearance Unit notifies in writing relevant parts of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the right hon. or hon. Member if notified in writing.

Secondary information