§ Mr. StrawTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department from whom and on what dates he has received representations in respect of the applications for British citizenship of Mr. Ali Al Fayed and Mr. Mohamed Al Fayed.
§ Mr. Nicholas BakerI refer the hon. Member to the answer that I gave to a question from the right hon. Member for Manchester, Wythenshawe (Mr. Morris) yesterday. Some of those who made representations wrote on behalf of Mr. Mohamed Al Fayed as well.
§ Mr. StrawTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what date he first made clear to the then Under-Secretary of State, the hon. Member for Bexhill and Battle (Mr. Wardle), that he wished the application for British citizenship of Mr. Ali Al Fayed to be decided by him.
§ Mr. HowardOn the first occasion on which I spoke to my hon. Friend concerning this case, I made it clear that I wished the application to be decided by him. The date of that conversation is not recorded.
§ Mr. ByersTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for citizenship currently awaiting a decision were made less than six months ago, between six and 12 months ago, between 12 and 18 months ago and more than 18 months ago.
§ Mr. Nicholas BakerThe following is the information in relation to the 42,119 applications for British citizenship outstanding on 21 October 1994:
Number Less than six months 16,898 Between six and 12 months 14,938 Between 12 and 18 months 6,057 More than 18 months 4,226
§ Mr. ByersTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what date Mr. Ali Al Fayed first applied880W for British citizenship; and when a decision is expected to be made on his application.
§ Mr. Nicholas BakerMr. Ali Al Fayed submitted his application on 29 January 1993. I hope to reach a decision on his application in the reasonably near future.