Student Visas Debate

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Department: Home Office

Student Visas

Ian Paisley Excerpts
Tuesday 22nd March 2011

(13 years, 7 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Baroness May of Maidenhead Portrait Mrs May
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My hon. Friend is taking me down a road that goes beyond the Home Office’s area of responsibility, large though that is. I fully accept the thrust of his comment about the importance of people being able to speak English, which is precisely why we introduced a requirement last year that those who come here to marry or join a partner should be able to speak English to a particular standard.

Ian Paisley Portrait Ian Paisley (North Antrim) (DUP)
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I welcome much of the sentiment in the Minister’s statement. Will she facilitate a meeting with representatives of Queen’s university Belfast and the Royal Victoria hospital? They provide many opportunities for students to come and learn about medicine and then to go into those teaching institutions and provide services to many of our patients in Northern Ireland.

Baroness May of Maidenhead Portrait Mrs May
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I note the hon. Gentleman’s comment and request; my hon. Friend the Minister for Immigration will be happy to meet him.