Written question asked by Mike Hancock (Liberal Democrat) on Tuesday, 16 December 2003, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 15 January 2004. It was answered by Baroness Hughes of Stretford (Labour) on Thursday, 15 January 2004 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what plans he has to change the number of countries (a) on the white list and (b) for which a visa to enter the United Kingdom is required; and if he will make a statement. - Including ref to section 94 of the Nationality Immigration and Asylum Act 2002.

Answer: Mr. Hancock: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to change the number of countries (a) on the white list and (b) for which a visa to enter the United Kingdom is required; and if he will make a statement. [145273] Beverley Hughes: The list of 24 countries designated under section 94 of the Nationality Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 can only be added to by Affirmative Order following debate in both Houses of Parliament. The list is kept under review and we will make proposals to amend it when we consider it to be appropriate. We have no plans at this time to amend existing visa requirements, although all such requirements are kept under review.

Secondary information