HC Deb 30 April 2002 vol 384 cc702-3W
Mr. Vaz

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the budget is for the OISC in 2002–03. [51519]

Angela Eagle

The Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC's) budget has been provisionally agreed for the year 2002–03 as £3,462,466. This is subject to approval by my right hon. and noble Friend the Minister of State at the Home Office (Lord Rooker).

Mr. Vaz

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many complaints he has received concerning immigration advisers since the establishment of the OISC. [51521]

Angela Eagle

The Immigration and Nationality Directorate do not keep a central record of complaints received about immigration advisers. If any are received, the complainant is advised to contact the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC) or other relevant authority.

I understand that, as of 31 March 2002, the OISC had received or initiated 417 complaints about immigration advisers since their establishment.

Mr. Vaz

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the staffing arrangement is for the OISC. [51520]

Angela Eagle

Both the Immigration Services Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner are appointed by the Secretary of State. The Commissioner recruits his own staff and is currently authorised to employ a maximum of 55; the breakdown, with civil service equivalent grades shown, is as follows:

Grade1 Number of staff
Senior Managers (SEO) 7
Dupty Managers (SEO) 2
Investigators (SEO) 4
Caseworkers (HEO) 20
Assistant Caseworkers (EO) 3
Support (HEO) 8
Support (EO) 2
Senior Secretary (SPS) 1
Admin Officers (AO) 8
Total 55
1 Civil service equivalent

Mr. Vaz

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent representations he has received from hon. Members concerning the work of the OISC. [51554]

Angela Eagle

Since 1 January 2002, three hon. Members have each written once to Home Office Ministers about the work of the Office of the Immigration Services Commissioner (OISC). In the same period, there have been two parliamentary questions on this subject.