HC Deb 04 May 1999 vol 330 cc314-5W
Mr. Stringer

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what written guidance is given to immigration officers when making unannounced visits to check if a marriage is one of convenience for immigration purposes. [82941]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

If the written guidance given to immigration officers involved in making unannounced visits to check whether a marriage is genuine and subsisting were to be published, it would enable those whose marriages were not genuine and subsisting to take measures that permitted the deception to continue.

Mr. Stringer

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what types of evidence are considered relevant by immigration officers when making unannounced visits to investigate if a marriage is genuine for immigration purposes. [82940]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

When making an unannounced visit, immigration officers will consider any evidence that will assist in deciding whether a marriage is genuine and fulfils the requirements of the Immigration Rules.