To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many of the work permits granted on the basis of intra-company transfer in respect of non-EU IT contractors in the last five years were valid on the latest date for which figures are available. (303040)

The work permit arrangements closed on 26 November 2008 and were replaced by the Points Based System.

The number of work permits granted during the period 1 January 2004 to 26 November 2008 on the basis of intra-company transfers in respect of non-EU IT employers that were still valid on 27 November is 31,660.

Figures are rounded to nearest 5.

The figures quoted are not provided under National Statistics protocols and have been derived from local management information and are therefore provisional and subject to change.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for a work permit on the basis of intra-company transfer were (a) made and (b) granted in respect of non-EU IT contractors in each of the last (i) five years and (ii) eight quarters; and if he will make a statement. (303041)

The work permit arrangements closed on 26 November 2008 and were replaced by the Points Based System.