Oral Answers to Questions

Keith Vaz Excerpts
Tuesday 18th October 2011

(13 years, 2 months ago)

Commons Chamber
Read Full debate Read Hansard Text Read Debate Ministerial Extracts
Simon Burns Portrait Mr Burns
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

I share my hon. Friend’s concerns about this important issue and challenge for the NHS. I would be more than happy to see the results of his FOI request, and I or a colleague would also be happy to meet him to discuss the matter further.

Keith Vaz Portrait Keith Vaz (Leicester East) (Lab)
- Hansard - -

There is a relatively painless way to deal with this. At the time that the visa is applied for, the person should sign an undertaking that they will pay the costs of NHS treatment. Will the Minister talk to the Minister for Immigration to see whether it is possible to introduce such a requirement?

Simon Burns Portrait Mr Burns
- Hansard - - - Excerpts

I am grateful to the right hon. Gentleman. We are looking at a range of options and I am more than happy to pass on his suggestions to my hon. Friend for them to be considered.