To ask Her Majesty's Government further to the Written Answer by Lord West of Spithead on 22 February (WA 262–3), why it is not possible to determine how many of those admitted to the United Kingdom from non-European Economic Area countries as dependants of students arrive without prior entry clearance; and whether they will begin categorising and counting the group. [HL2365]

Since 31 March 2009, under the new points-based system, all student dependants have been required to obtain a prior entry clearance in order to enter the United Kingdom in this capacity.

Details regarding the proportion of student dependants who arrived in the UK without entry clearances prior to 31 March 2009 could be obtained only through the detailed examination of individual case records at disproportionate cost.