Primary Purpose Rule

HC Deb 31 July 1997 vol 299 c562W

Mr. Peter Bradley

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in implementing changes in the primary purpose rule. [11919]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

My right hon. Friend announced the abolition of the primary purpose rule in an answer to a question from my hon. Friend the Member for Leicester, East (Mr. Vaz) on 5 June,Official Report, column 218. An amendment to the immigration rules was laid which came into effect the same day. Outstanding appeals involving primary purpose are being reviewed. In cases where the refusal was on the ground of primary purpose alone, instructions are being issued to grant entry clearance.