§ Mr. WeirTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to review regulations relating to the employment of foreign students as seasonal workers in agriculture. [73054]
§ Beverley HughesParagraphs 104–09 of the Immigration Rules (HC395) provide for the entry and employment of foreign students under the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Scheme (SAWS). The recent Home Office White Paper "Secure Borders, Safe Haven" signalled, in paragraph 3.25, our intention to review the operation of this scheme. A consultation document was published on 29 May 2002, is available on the Home Office website and has been sent to a wide range of organisations with an interest in the scheme. In addition, officials have held meetings with key stakeholder groups. The consultation ended on 23 August 2002. Any changes to the scheme resulting from the consultation will be announced in due course.
448W
§ Mr. BercowTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, how much and what proportion of his 2002–03 Departmental Expenditure Limit had been spent by 31 May; what the figures were for 2001–02; and if he will make a statement.[61753]
§ Beverley HughesI refer the hon. Member to the answer given to him on 11 July 2002,Official Report, column 1197W.