HC Deb 20 December 1984 vol 70 c285W
23. Dr. Marek

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people in India have applied for special vouchers to enter die United Kingdom; and what are the delays in granting such vouchers.

Mr. Waddington

As at 31 October 1984, the total number of applications for special vouchers made in India since the introduction of the scheme in 1968 was 13,800. Some cases are dealt with urgently on compassionate grounds, but the average time for which persons offered vouchers at the end of October 1984 in India had waited was seven years 10 months. Waiting times for new applicants are not forecast because they may be affected substantially by unforeseen developments.