§ Mr. CoxTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many(a) men and (b) women in (i) Bombay, (ii) New Delhi, (iii) Karachi and (iv) Islamabad, were seeking entry visas to join spouses in the United Kingdom as at 14 January; and what is the average current waiting time at each post.
§ Mr. Lennox-BoydThe number of men and women waiting for an interview for entry clearance to join their spouses in the United Kingdom in Bombay, New Delhi, Karachi and Islamabad on 14 January, and the waiting time for interview, was as follows:
637W
Men Numbers Women Numbers Waiting Time Months Bombay 87 90 3 New Delhi 10 105 3 Karachi 44 42 2 Islamabad 1,195 411 3
§ Mr. HarveyTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement outlining the kinds of transactions which may be undertaken with Iraq and Iraqi nationals on humanitarian grounds under the current sanctions regime for Iraq.
§ Mr. Douglas HoggThe only transactions with Iraq permitted in the UK are those humanitarian exceptions permitted tinder UN Security Council resolutions 661 and 687 agreed on a case-by-case basis by the UN sanctions committee. Such exceptions include foodstuffs, medicine, medical and surgical equipment, basic human requirements—for example, toiletries, cooking requisites, tents, blankets and other items for the construction of basic shelter—and equipment necessary to restore basic local services—clean water, sanitation and agriculture.