Clause 98 - Physical data: voluntary provision
Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Bill
11:00 am
Mr Humfrey Malins (Woking, Conservative)
I beg to move amendment No. 303, in page 49, line 32, leave out paragraph (c).
Under clause 98 the Secretary of State can operate a scheme enabling people voluntarily to provide data with a view to assisting and accelerating their entry to the UK. We are looking at a two-tier system, which may operate unfairly. My probing amendment relates to the Secretary of State's ability under subsection (2)(c) to charge for participation in a scheme. Would that amount to an additional charge to visa applicants who already pay for their entry clearance? Is that right or fair? Surely the Government should bear the extra cost. I should be grateful if the Minister would explain the thinking behind the proposed charge. I hope that her reply will not disappoint me.