§ Mr. BoswellTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment what consultations he has held with the Home Office on the possible misuse of student visas as a means of obtaining entry to the United Kingdom; and what strategy he is taking to prevent this. [148937]
§ Mr. Wicks[holding answer 7 February 2001]: The Department for Education and Employment has on-going discussions with the Home Office, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the British Council about how best to facilitate visa applications by genuine students. The requirements of the immigration rules for students have not been relaxed.