§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, pursuant to the answer of 12 December,Official Report, column 487, what considerations underlie the practice of British embassies in Belgrade, Sofia and Zagreb not recording the nationality of those to whom they issue visas to visit the United Kingdom; how many visas were (a) granted, (b) refused and (c) are awaiting decisions; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Baldry[holding answer 16 December 1994]: As the immigration rules are applied without regard to nationality, and as the recording of applications by nationality is not operationally necessary, it is not the practice to record the number of applicants by nationality.
During 1993, the last full year for which figures are available, the following visas were issued, refused or awaiting decision in Belgrade, Sofia and Zagreb.
Issued Refused Awaiting Belgrade 1,772 105 62 Sofia 9,005 476 42 Zagreb 1,753 414 — It is estimated that 95 per cent. of applicants in Sofia are Bulgarian nationals. Estimates are not available for Belgrade or Zagreb.