UK Borders Bill

The point raised by the noble Baroness was by way of example and was maybe not unique. Documents that are submitted with the application may turn out to be invalid for one reason or another, and she has given a particular instance of an incorrect date being given that could well have been corrected once attention had been drawn to it. Supposing that there are other instances of a similar kind—not leaving universities—and pursuing the line of thought introduced into our debate by the noble Baroness, I suggest that in many cases it would be critical to the student to have his application considered on the proper date, which it would not be if he had to submit a fresh application. If he misses that opportunity and by submitting a fresh application is out of time for the university term, he may lose the right to attend a particular course. That was the reason why—without suggesting, as the Minister put it, that we introduce a new stage into the process—there could at least be consideration of evidence that was submitted up until the time of the appeal. That would give the BIA an adequate opportunity to look at the evidence before the appeal was heard, and it would not be faced, as it says sometimes happens now, with evidence coming in at the very last minute or on the day of the appeal. I have made the case and the noble Lord is aware of the arguments. I leave him to consider it in the hope that perhaps between now and Report we can find a solution that is acceptable not only to your Lordships but to the many applicants under the points-based system who may otherwise lose their rights under that system. I beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. [Amendment No. 34ZB not moved.]