§ Mr. Arnoldasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his reply of 17 June, Official Report, c. 315, how often the sum, presently £100.000, referred to as the minimum level of capital normally necessary for an applicant seeking entry as a person of independent means, is reviewed; what factors are taken into account in fixing the appropriate sum; and what form of proof is normally required and to cover what period.
§ Mr. RaisonThe minimum level of capital normally necessary for an applicant to come here as a person of independent means is revised from time to time. The present figure of £100,000 was introduced in Immigration Rules laid before Parliament on 20 February 1980. The figure is laid down as an indication of the minimum sum expected of an applicant who is to be able to maintain himself and his dependants indefinitely without working or recourse to public funds. Any suitable documentary evidence is acceptable as proof that the financial requirements are met but there is no time limit: the applicant is expected to rely on his own resources indefinitely.