§ Mr. Cyril Smithasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how long it is taking to hear appeals against refusal of entry permits to relatives of legal immigrants already in the United Kingdom; and if he will consider speeding up this machinery.
§ Mr. LaneIt normally takes several months for appeals against the refusal of entry certificates to be heard by an adjudicator, and some cases take even longer. The hearing of appeals from decisions taken overseas is bound to be a lengthy process, but we are not satisfied with the position and are taking steps to reduce the delay. We shall keep the situation under review.