HC Deb 23 June 1980 vol 987 cc20-1W
Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for registration as a citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies were awaiting a decision at the most recent convenient date; and how many of these were from residents of the Greater London area.

Mr. Raison

At the end of April 1980 some 37,000 applications for registration as a citizen of the United Kingdom and Colonies were awaiting decision. Information about how many of these were from residents of the Greater London area could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Mr. Cartwright

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the current estimated waiting period for decisions on applications from residents of the Greater London area for registration as citizens of the United Kingdom and Colonies.

Mr. Raison

Applications for registration are of various types, some requiring more inquiries and consideration that others, and consequently waiting periods vary considerably. The most straightforward types of application currently take between four to six months, while others take about 26 months. These waiting periods apply to the whole country and there is no reason to believe that the periods for the Greater London area are any different.