HC Deb 28 March 2001 vol 365 cc713-4W
Mr. Lidington

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have benefited from the change in naturalisation policy announced in paragraph 10.7 of the White Paper, 'Fairer, Faster, Firmer: a Modern Approach to Immigration and Asylum'. [155820]

Mrs. Roche

[holding answer 27 March 2001]: As I indicated in answer to questions from the hon. Member on 5 February 2001, Official Report, column 434W, the change of policy foreshadowed in paragraph 10.7 of the White Paper has yet to be introduced. No statistics are kept which would enable identification of any cases which might have benefited from anticipation of this change.

Mr. Lidington

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will conduct an investigation into how Mr. S. P. Hinduja knew of the announcement on naturalisation policy in paragraph 10.7 of the White Paper, 'Fairer, Faster, Firmer: A Modern Approach to Immigration and Asylum' prior to the White Paper's publication, as set nit in paragraph 5.21 of the Hammond report (HC 287); if a Minister or official in his Department informed Mr. Hinduja of the announcement prior to publication; and if lie will make a statement. [155816]

Mrs. Roche

[holding answer 27 March 2001]: Sir Anthony Hammond has already carried out a thorough review of the issues surrounding the application for naturalisation of Mr. S. P. Hinduja. I do not think any further inquiry would be fruitful.