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Illegal Immigrants (Herefordshire)

Mr. Keetch: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action was taken against three suspected illegal immigrants arrested in a lorry on the A40 near Ross-on-Wye, Herefordshire, on 5 December. [142626]

Mr. Mike O'Brien: Three men were arrested by the police on the M5 on that date. They were interviewed by immigration officers and are being treated as illegal entrants. Their cases are currently under consideration.

Immigration Appeals

Sir Teddy Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications have been made for legal aid for appeals under the Immigration Appeal (Family Visitor) Regulations; and how many have been accepted. [142242]

Jane Kennedy: I have been asked to reply.

I refer the hon. Member to the written answer that I gave to the hon. Member for Southwark, North and Bermondsey (Mr. Hughes) on 11 December 2000, Official Report, column 36W.

Sir Teddy Taylor: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many appeals have been received by the Immigration Appeals Advisory Service since the Government introduced the £500 charge for appeals in respect of family visits; and what has been the result of the appeals. [142240]

Jane Kennedy: I have been asked to reply.

The Immigration Appellate Authority received the first Family Visit Visa Appeal on 27 October. From 27 October to 7 December (inclusive) a total of 14 Family Visit Visa Appeals were received for an oral hearing. Of this number two appeals have been determined, both of which were allowed.

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