HC Deb 21 March 1979 vol 964 cc672-3W
Miss Richardson

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if in view of the statement by the Indian Minister for External Affairs that there had been at least 34 cases of virginity testing at the British High Commission in New Delhi, and in the light of information now available to him, he will call for a report on the matter from the High Commissioner.

Mr. Luard

The High Commissioner has reported on this matter. In the cases referred to, the entry clearance officer concerned, when referring some adult daughters for general medical examination as part of the entry clearance procedure, sought the lady doctor's opinion on the possibility that they might be married: eligibility for settlement in the United Kingdom depended upon their being unmarried and thus dependent upon their parents. Instructions have been given that no more such requests should be made.