A CALL has been made for an independent inquiry into the resignation of Home Office Minister Beverley Hughes.

It came from Liberal Democrat Parliamentary spokeswoman for the Colne Valley, Dr Elisabeth Wilson.

Mrs Hughes quit last week after it became clear she had given a "misleading impression - albeit unwittingly" to MPs. This was over a row about the handling of eastern European immigration, with claims made that the Home Office had rubber- stamped applications despite warnings from embassies that many were based on bogus documents.

Dr Wilson said: "There is clearly a lot of public anxiety about the immigration issue and how the Government is dealing with it.

"Certain elements of the tabloid Press are causing trouble in an attempt to boost circulation and promote the reactionary principles of their proprietors. Sadly, the Conservative Party has been opportunistic, believing that embarrass- ing the Government is more important than identifying problems which may exist."