§ Mr. Tony LloydTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he intends to give formal notice to the Department of Social Security that Mrs. B (HO Ref:- B148W 1009308) has been given exceptional leave to remain; why this was not done in July 1999; what were the reasons for the delay between July and late December 1999; what steps were taken following representations by the hon. Member for Manchester, Central; and what the reasons were for the further delay in taking action since December. [108600]
§ Mrs. RocheAfter my hon. Friend was informed on 26 July 1999 of the decision to grant exceptional leave to enter to Mrs. B and her children, their papers were prepared and sent to the port for service. However, due to an administrative error the names on their papers were incorrect so they were returned for amendment. The file was then unfortunately put into a large queue and not considered until quite recently.
Mrs. B was notified on 7 February that she and her children have now been granted exceptional leave to enter. She should show these papers to the Department of Social Security when she applies for benefits. I am sorry for the delay in dealing with her case.