§ Mr. Alfred MorrisTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the level of fees paid by foreign nationals requiring United Kingdom visas since 1 April 1996; what are the visa fees charged by other major European countries; what assessment he has made of the economic advantages accruing to countries charging less than the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [12733]
§ Dr. Liam FoxDetails of the fees for processing applications for entry clearance for the United Kingdom from 1 April to 13 August 1996 are given in the Consular Fees Order 1995, S.I. 1995 No.1617, and since 14 August 1996 in the Consular Fees Order 1996, S.I. 227W 1996 No. 1915. It would be possible to obtain the information requested on visa fees charged by other European countries only at disproportionate cost. We are not aware of any evidence that the UK is at an economic disadvantage because of the level of entry clearance fees. The United Kingdom is committed to achieving full cost recovery of the entry clearance operation overseas so that it functions at no cost to the taxpayer. This is in line with the Government's overall expenditure settlement.