HC Deb 27 November 1974 vol 882 cc413-5
3. Mr. Bidwell

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps he is taking to reduce the delays in arranging for the admission to the United Kingdom of the fiancées and spouses of men and women settled in the United Kingdom.

19. Mr. Lee

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will take steps to reduce the delay experienced by citizens of Pakistan seeking interviews at their British Embassy in Karachi in order to secure entry permits into this country; and if he will make a statement.

The Minister of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (Mr. David Ennals)

As I indicated in my reply of 14th November to my hon. Friend the Member for Preston, South (Mr. Thorne),—[Vol. 881, c. 238.]—we have almost completed the reinforcement of our staff in the sub-continent which I announced earlier this year and I very much hope that when this takes full effect there will be a significant reduction in the waiting time to interview in Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Mr. Bidwell

I thank my right hon. Friend for that reply, which indicates that his Department is sensitive to the problem. Does he not agree that it is monstrous to tell a man or woman domiciled in this country that his or her spouse cannot join him or her, or even be considered to be eligible to do so, except by interview two years hence? Does he not agree that it is not just a question of presenting an individual case on the basis of individual hardship, but that we have what is tantamount to widespread hardship?

Mr. Ennals

I entirely agree with my hon. Friend that the position is extremely unsatisfactory. The delays are due largely to the situation that we inherited from the previous Conservative Government, who allowed a large backlog to build up through understaffing, which was why we had to take measures to increase our staff. It means that there are significant delays in several of the countries. Where there are urgent compassionate grounds, we can bring forward the time of an interview. For newly-married couples, we have in Pakistan a special arrangement whereby priority is granted when six months' notice is given of the intention to marry.

Sir Anthony Royle

Is the Minister aware that there is widespread concern among High Commission staff both in Pakistan and in India about the numbers of people in both those countries who are now advertising in the United Kingdom for fiancés to enable them to come to this country on a bogus prospectus? What does he propose to do about that?

Mr. Ennals

That question is a matter for the Home Secretary. I do not believe that the situation is anything like as serious as the hon. Gentleman suggests. I think it was absolutely right that my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary should take the decision that he made both in relation to fiancées and fiancés. I deplore the sort of advertising that has gone on. It creates a problem for our entry certificate officers, who have to satisfy themselves of the bona fides of applicants.

Mr. Noble

I welcome my right hon. Friend's statement that the number of staff will be increased. Will he ensure that the bureaucratic procedures adopted in these countries when people come for interview are carefully examined? In particular, will he ensure that those who are seeking interview are fully informed about the documents they require, so that when they have journeyed perhaps more than 100 miles, they are not turned away and made to wait again?

Mr. Ennals

The procedures for interview, too, are a matter for my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, but I cannot accept that there are the bureaucratic objections suggested by my hon. Friend. Identification is extremely difficult in India and Pakistan, where often there are not the appropriate marriage and birth certificates and other proofs of identity. It is necessary for our entry certificate officers to be satisfied if they are to do their job. I agree that it is important that those who come forward should know what information is required of them.