§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment, pursuant to the meeting between the hon. Member for Leicester, East and the Under-Secretary of State for Employment on 30 June, if he will make a statement on what action he has taken with regard to the case of Mr. Roy. [9563]
§ Mr. Alan HowarthAs my hon. Friend is aware, the Department's overseas labour service has already issued a work permit for Mr. Roy to work in the UK as a chef. Mr. Roy also requires an entry visa which, I understand, has been refused. Visas are the responsibility of the migration and visa department of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, and I understand that that Department is currently looking into its decision in this case.
§ Mr. VazTo ask the Secretary of State for Education and Employment how many work permits were issued for(a) Indian food and (b) Chinese food chefs in 1996. [9885]
§ Mr. HowarthThe specific information requested is not available. However, about 200 work permits were issued to chefs in 1996.