HC Deb 02 December 1985 vol 88 cc25-6W
Mr. Deakins

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what provisions exist to repay from public funds the cost of return air tickets held by intending visitors to the United Kingdom who are refused even temporary admission and subsequently appeal successfully against the immigration officers' decisions in their country of departure.

Mr. Waddington

There is no statutory provision to make such payments.

Mr. Madden

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) on what dates meetings have taken place between Ministers in his Department and officials of the Immigration Service Union in the past year; what have been the main issues discussed; and if he will make a statement;

(2) whether at meetings between Ministers in his Department and officials of the Immigration Service Union, officials of that union have indicated that the Immigration Service Union intended to instruct its members not to deal with correspondence from hon. or right hon. Members concerning immigration matters; and on what basis Immigration Service Union officials have passed correspondence from hon. and right hon. Members on immigration matters to Ministers in his Department.

Mr. Waddington

I refer the hon. Member to the reply given to the hon. Member for Battersea (Mr. Dubs) on 20 November at columns168–69. At my meeting with officials of the ISU on 17 October, they did not indicate that they intended to instruct their members not to deal with correspondence from hon. Members on immigration matters, but they did express their concern at the increase in the number of cases attracting representations from hon. and right hon. Members.

Mr. Madden

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many fiancées have been granted admission to the United Kingdom since the change in August of the immigration rules requiring fiancées to have entry clearance; how many fiancées have been granted admission although they had not been granted entry clearance; and if the passports of such fiancées have been suitably endorsed in all cases.

Mr. Waddington

I shall reply as soon as possible.