HC Deb 01 November 1994 vol 248 c1067W
Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what(a) formal or (b) informal representations he has received from (i) hon. Members and (ii) others asking for reconsideration of the refusal to grant British citizenship to Mr. Mohammed Al Fayed and Mr. Ali Al Fayed.

Mr. Nicholas Baker

As their applications have not yet been determined, the question of representations asking for reconsideration of refusal does not arise.

Mr. Straw

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will name the referees who have supported the applications for British citizenship of Mr. Ali al Fayed and Mr. Mohamed Al Fayed.

Mr. Nicholas Baker

No. It is not our practice to disclose such details.

Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what formal or informal representations he has received from persons other than hon. Members on the applications by Mr. Mohammed Al Fayed or Mr. Ali Al Fayed for British citizenship.

Mr. Nicholas Baker

We have received representations from three people other than hon. Members concerning these applications. It is not our practice to disclose the details of private communications.

Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the consultations held with ministerial colleagues concerning the applications for British citizenship by Mr. Mohammed Al Fayed and Mr. Ali Al Fayed; and what special principles apply when considering such applications.

Mr. Howard

I made a public statement on this matter on 24 October 1994, a copy of which is in the Library of the House.