To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many times application of the two-year rule has resulted in the removal of the right of a spouse to remain in the UK in the event of relationship failure in 2007-08; and what steps were taken following the application of the rule in each case. (250679)

The specific data requested could be obtained by the detailed examination of individual case records only at disproportionate cost.

In order to qualify for settlement on the basis of marriage, an applicant must show that they are still married to the person they were admitted or granted an extension of stay to join and that relationship is subsisting. If the parties are no longer married or their relationship no longer subsists, the applicant will not meet the requirements of the immigration rules for settlement and the application will fall for refusal on this basis.