HC Deb 08 June 1988 vol 134 cc833-4
6. Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what further proposals he has for reducing delays in entry clearance applications to the United Kingdom from the Indian sub-continent.

Mr. Eggar

More than 90 per cent. of visit-visa applications in the Indian sub-continent are processed within 24 hours. Any delay in remaining visit cases is usually due to the need to produce further documentary evidence.

Mr. Madden

Is the Minister aware that there has been a sharp increase in the number of settlement applications referred to the United Kingdom for inquiry? Is he aware that that means that many fiances and spouses are having to wait an extra six or 12 months for a decision to be taken on their application, having already waited anything up to 12 months for an initial interview? Will he encourage overseas posts, especially Islamabad, to reduce the number of applications referred to Britain for local inquiries to be made, or press the Home Office to appoint more immigration officers so that the necessary interviews and inquiries can be conducted far more expeditiously than they are now?

Mr. Eggar

At the end of 1979 there were almost 43,000 people awaiting interview in the Indian sub-continent. There are now just over 12,000. The hon. Gentleman will welcome that considerable progress. Only four years ago we had 43 ECOs in the Indian sub-continent and we now have 86. Perhaps the hon. Gentleman might occasionally welcome the improvements that have been made.

Mr. Marlow

Is it not time that we considered introducing a language test for those seeking entry clearance to this country'? Where both parties to a marriage have a common language and that language is not English, is it not more sensible, sensitive and humane for them to be settled in the country where that language is spoken?

Mr. Eggar

I am sure that my hon. Friend would receive a full reply to that point from the Home Office.

Mr. Janner

Does the Minister accept that the delays in obtaining entry clearance documents are not the end of the matter because the delays at Heathrow for people who arrive there remain unworthy, intolerable and among the worst of any airport in the world? Does he propose to attend to that end of the problem and thereby to make life decent and easier for those who visit this country. never mind those who wish to stay?

Mr. Eggar

While all delays at airports are regrettable there has been a dramatic improvement since we introduced the visa regimes in the Indian sub-continent.