The British government will today examine the case of the British couple at the centre of a transatlantic adoption row after buying twins over the Internet.
Alan and Judith Kilshaw, of Buckley, North Wales, bought the girls from an American baby broker who, unbeknownst to them, had already sold them once to another couple from California.
The Kilshaws are now applying for British citizenship for six-month-old Belinda and Kimberley, who currently have a six month tourist visa.
The British Home Secretary Mr Jack Straw said he was concerned about the circumstances which led to the girls arriving in this country.
"It's a matter of huge concern, I share that concern as a parent as much as a senior minister in this Government," Mr Straw said last night.
"It is illegal, completely illegal, in this country for people to buy and sell babies or children, and that is entirely as it should be, because it is frankly a revolting idea."
Mr Straw added: "We shall of course be looking at precisely what happened in these circumstances and I will be consulting colleagues about it.
"Obviously, what happened, happened in other jurisdictions in the United States, but nonetheless we need to look at the circumstances.
"There is also an issue of immigration control," said Mr Straw.
PA