§ 55. Mr. Fellasked the Lord Privy Seal the average time taken to grant a visa to visit the United Kingdom to Russians wishing to visit this country for trade purposes.
§ The Joint Under-Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Peter Thomas)For visas granted during the month of March, eleven days.
§ Mr. FellDoes my hon. Friend agree that our trade with Russia and with any other country with whom we can trade is vital to the future of this country? Will he try at least to ensure that the time is cut down to as short a period as possible?
§ Mr. ThomasThe scrutiny of applications is completed as quickly as security and other considerations permit. Priority is given to applications for trade or for any other purpose where they are known to be urgent.