HC Deb 21 March 1995 vol 257 c139W
Mrs. Wise

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the percentage of(a) husbands and (b) wives seeking to join their spouses initially refused by entry clearance officers in India in 1994; what were the reasons for the differences; and if he will make a statement. [14831]

Mr. Nicholas Baker

In India in 1994, 45 per cent. of husbands and 20 per cent. of wives were initially refused entry clearance for settlement in the United Kingdom. Some of these applications may be subsequently granted on appeal. Immigration rules for entry clearance for settlement in the United Kingdom apply equally to husbands and wives. Differences in the percentage initially refused reflect differences in individual applications.

Mrs. Wise

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the percentage of(a) husbands and (b) wives seeking to join their spouses initially refused by entry clearance officers in Pakistan in 1994; what were the reasons for the differences; and if he will make a statement. [14739]

Mr. Nicholas Baker

In Pakistan in 1994, 60 per cent. of husbands and 25 per cent. of wives were initially refused entry clearance for settlement in the United Kingdom. Some of these applications may be subsequently granted on appeal. Immigration rules for entry clearance for settlement in the United Kingdom apply equally to husbands and wives. Differences in the percentage of applications initially refused reflect differences in individual applications.