§ Mr. WinnickTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the latest position regarding restoring a right of appeal for those refused entry clearance for visiting the United Kingdom. [13200]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienOur manifesto commits us to providing a streamlined system of appeals for visitors denied a visa. We are examining the options for doing this.
§ Mr. MalinsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in relation to the concessionary arrangements outside the immigration rules of 13 October; if he will define a relationship akin to marriage with a person of either sex, and specify the criteria to be used to establish such a relationship. [13348]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienA relationship akin to marriage is one which is similar in its nature to a marriage in that it involves a committed relationship which can be demonstrated by evidence such as joint commitments, financial or otherwise. In order to benefit under the new concession, an unmarried couple will need to demonstrate, among other matters, that they are legally unable to marry; that they have been living together for four years or more; that they intend to live together permanently; that any previous marriage or similar relationship has permanently broken down and that they will be able to maintain and accommodate themselves without recourse to public funds.
§ Mr. MalinsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what percentage of the current serving prison population lacks entry clearance certificates; [13343]
(2) how many persons were convicted of or pleaded guilty to indictable offences who lacked entry clearance certificates; how many of these were recommended for deportation by the courts; and how many have been deported in each of the last four years. [13341]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienI regret that the information is not held on the relevant computer databases but the great majority of prisoners will not have entry clearance certificates and do not require them.