To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment she has made of the effectiveness of the UK’s implementation of the provisions of EU Directive 2004/38/EC, with particular reference to the charging of fees to those applying for spousal visas from outside the EU by UK Visas; and if she will make a statement. (174635)

The UK has fully and correctly implemented EU Directive 2004/38/EC This directive sets out the rights of movement for EEA nationals and their family members around the EU. Applications for visas to enter and documentation confirming status in the UK are currently not chargeable cases as the directive prohibits a charge being levied where no charge is placed on our own nationals for a similar document. All other applications for entry clearance or leave to remain on the basis of marriage or a subsisting relationship must be accompanied by the appropriate fee.