HC Deb 01 July 1999 vol 334 c240W
Dr. Cable

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what reports he has received about the handling of visa applications at the British Consulate in Skopje; and if he will make a statement. [86841]

Mr. Hoon

My right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary has given a commitment that the Embassy will begin issuing visas as soon as it is practicable for it to do so. We are looking at options for larger premises, to enable us to provide a full visa service. As regards the processing in Skopje of applications from Kosovar refugees, I refer the hon. Member to the statement in the House on 5 May 1999 by my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary,Official Report, columns 443–44, in which he outlined the arrangements being made under UNHCR auspices.

My noble Friend the Baroness Symons of Vernham Dean will be replying separately to the hon. Member's letter of 8 June about a specific case in which he has an interest.