To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by Lord West of Spithead on 21 July (WA 301–2), whether the minister's officials have come to a conclusion as to whether changes to the UK Border Agency's Entry Clearance Guidance are required, in the context of polygamous marriages; and, if so, what is their view of that advice. [HL875]

In my Written Answer of 30 November 2009 (WA8) to the noble Lord I referred to my letter, despatched on 24 November 2009, responding to him on this subject. Divorces of convenience are extremely rare, and after careful consideration we have decided that the relevant part of the current entry clearance guidance (SET 14.8) should be amended to read simply that any case where there is evidence that a divorce of convenience has occurred should be referred to ECO Support for consideration and advice. We believe that this advice is more proportionate and appropriate than the previous wording.