HC Deb 11 December 2000 vol 359 cc33-4W
Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what is the average cost, including accommodation costs and other overheads, to the Immigration Appellate Authority of processing and determining an immigration appeal. [142096]

Jane Kennedy

In the time available I regret that it has not proved possible to provide the average direct cost, including accommodation and overhead costs, to the Immigration Appellate Authority of processing and determining an immigration appeal. This information will shortly be calculated and will be laid in the Libraries of both Houses.

Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many appeals against a refusal of a visa to visit a family member in the UK have been determined by the Immigration Appeals Authority(a) at an oral hearing and (b) on the papers alone since 2 October; and with what outcome. [142094]

Jane Kennedy

The Immigration Appellate Authority received the first family visit visa appeal on 27 October. From 27 October to 7 December (inclusive) a total of 81 family visit visa appeals were received, of these 67 were for determination on paper alone and 14 were for oral hearing. Of this number 33 appeals have been determined, 31 paper and two oral. The outcomes were as followsPaper appeals—20 dismissed, 11 allowed, Oral appeals—two allowed.

Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what has been the total cost to the Immigration Appellate Authority of administering family visitor appeals since 2 October. [142095]

Jane Kennedy

The total fee income of administering family visitor appeals between 2 October 2000 and 7 December 2000 was £17,000. It is too early to assess the costs of administering these appeals. A review is under way.

Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many applications for funding in respect of representation in an oral appeal against a refusal of a visa to visit a family member in the United Kingdom have been made to the Legal Services Commission since 2 October; and with what outcome. [142093]

Jane Kennedy

The Legal Services Commission does not currently record case data in a form that would enable an answer to be given to the hon. Member's question.