§ 52. Mr. Graham Whiteasked the Home Secretary what steps he proposes to take to increase the staff of the aliens department, in view of the congestion of business?
54. Miss Rathboneasked the Home Secretary to what extent the Department dealing with applications for permits to reside in this country, generally, or from political and racial refugees separately, has been strengthened in respect of administrative, clerical, and messenger personnel; and whether he is satisfied that the staff is now adequate to deal both with arrears and current applications in a reasonably expeditious manner?
§ Mr. LloydThe process of expanding this staff is proceeding as rapidly as is practicable. In the last three weeks the personnel has been increased by 28, nine being experienced officers capable of assisting with the more responsible duties. Further additions are being made as quickly as the need for teaching the newcomers permits.
§ Mr. WhiteIs my hon. Friend fully seized of the fact that incalculable hardship is being imposed at the present time in a very large number of cases in which every formality can be complied with and every guarantee given; and can he do something that will relieve this position before the Austrian passport expires at the end of this year?
§ Mr. LloydI have said that the process of expansion is proceeding as quickly as possible. I am informed that the new arrangements are now resulting in a considerable diminution of the residue of accumulated cases.
§ Mr. ManderWill the hon. Gentleman bear in mind the fact that the present staff are not provided even with proper means for filing documents so that they may know where they are?