§ Mr. SteenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he expects to make a final decision on the future of Narayan Shankar (Ref. S680769), whose application for political asylum was made in August, 1989; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter LloydThe delay in dealing with applications for asylum is a result of the increase in the number of applications in the last two years. On 26 April my right hon. Friend announced a nearly fivefold increase in staff resources for asylum determination. Mr. Shankar's application is receiving attention and his representatives will be informed of the outcome as soon as possible.