HC Deb 07 June 2000 vol 351 c291W
Mr. Derek Twigg

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement about the Joint Entry Clearance Unit. [125245]

Mr. Vaz

As I told the House on 20 March 2000,Official Report, column 833–36, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and the Home Office have signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the establishment of the Joint Entry Clearance Unit (the JECU). Copies of the document have been placed in the Libraries of both Houses. This week the JECU has moved to its new offices at 89 Albert Embankment. By bringing together Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Home Office expertise in a single unit, it will provide a better co-ordinated and more effective service to entry clearance applicants. More information about the new Unit, including contact numbers within it, will be circulated to Members.