§ Mr. CohenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent representations he has received from(a) Concordia and (b) other interested parties concerning the number of student permits allowed for assistance and training associated with seasonal agricultural work; what has been his response; and if he will make a statement. [137006]
§ Mrs. RocheRepresentations in support of an increase in the quota of non-European Economic Area (EEA) students participating in the Seasonal Agricultural Worker Scheme (SAWS) have been made on behalf of various interested parties, including the National Farmers Union. Concordia (YSV) Ltd., one of the approved scheme operators, had indicated support for an increase.
The Government have listened to the concerns of the agricultural industry and have agreed to increase the annual quota of students from 10,000 to 15,200 with effect from the 2001 season.