To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps have been taken to develop joint threat assessment mechanisms between police forces and the UK Border Agency to underpin operational work at the UK border; and what timetable has been established for the work. (273026)

Following on from the memorandum of understanding which was signed in 2008, the UK Border Agency and the Association of Chief Police Officers (ACPO) are continuing to work closely together to enhance their relationship at the UK border. UKBA have senior officials in place at ports of entry to facilitate liaison with the police and other agencies. This collaboration is designed to increase opportunities for working together, including the capacity for joint threat assessments.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consultation was undertaken on the change to Tier One of the immigration points-based system requiring applicants to hold a Masters degree rather than a Bachelors degree. (276310)

The changes to the requirements for Tier 1 were discussed widely across Government Departments.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions she has had with the Secretary of State for Health on the effect on medical training of the recent change to Tier One immigration rules for highly skilled migrants; and if she will make a statement. (276311)

I and my Cabinet colleagues have regular discussions about changes to the immigration system. Officials continue to work together to ensure that changes to the immigration system do not have an adverse impact on this important sector.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many sponsors for Tier 2 of the points-based immigration system are classified as (a) category A and (b) category B. (276560)

There are 9,168 registered Tier 2 sponsors, of which 8,841 are rated as category A and 327 as category B.