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We are trying to prevent abuse and prevent the system from being subject to clandestine illegal immigration. There is no suggestion whatever that that is happening in the case of European Skybus flight training. As I understand it—the hon. Gentleman will correct me if I am wrong—it comes down to the fact that the people involved are primarily coming for the purpose of training
that is related to the service that the company offers. As a result of the information that he and the company have provided, we are looking afresh at the immigration position of persons coming to the UK for training in techniques and work practices used here, where only training facilities are provided and no teaching. It is a matter of definition.
It is incumbent on me to say to the hon. Gentleman that we will make a decision very shortly. He asked for more than a decision—a solution—and I am confident that I will be able to give him one. I understand his point, and I hope to provide such a solution to him and to others in a similar situation. He has highlighted a problem that has arisen, but he will know from his experience as a Minister that sometimes, in providing a solution to a specific problem, one creates a general problem for others. I do not want to be back here in three months’ time responding to further Adjournment debates as a result of another unintended consequence. That is why I do not want to take a snap decision; I want to find him a solution, but I do not want to do so immediately, just in case there is a consequence that I have not foreseen.
Mr. Chope: I am grateful to the Minister for what he has said, but may I impress upon him the urgency of the case that I mentioned? If the solution that is provided necessitates obtaining accreditation from one of the organisations that have been mentioned, the company has been informed that that process might take up to three months. If so, not only will it have lost the business that it should have had in January, it will probably not have business in March, April or May. The situation is urgent.
Mr. Woolas: I thank the hon. Gentleman for that point. I shall give him a decision next week, and I hope to give him a solution. Perhaps we could talk about the matter and try to solve the problem, but I do not wish to take a decision and then find out through correspondence that it has made the situation worse. I have been a Minister long enough to know that that sometimes happens, as has he. The best thing that I can do for him and his constituents is to guarantee to get them a decision next week, and say that we hope to find a solution. At this point, the best thing for me to do is shut up and sit down.
7.54 pm
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