HC Deb 31 October 1979 vol 972 cc521-2W
Mr. Brinton

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will investigate a simpler and more effective method whereby bona fide temporary visitors to Great Britain from the Asian subcontinent can obtain clearance in their country of origin.

Mr. Raison

The immigration rules provide that a Commonwealth citizen who wishes to ascertain in advance whether he is eligible for admission to the United Kingdom can apply to the appropriate British representative overseas for entry clearance. Similar provision exists for citizens of Pakistan. The arrangements for dealing with such applications at posts overseas are a matter for the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs. If my hon. Friend has any proposals for change in the existing arrangements perhaps he would write about them.