§ Mr. Edward DaveyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what specific improvements for the public will be forthcoming following the loss of 1,200 jobs at the Immigration and Nationality Directorate and the introduction of a new computer system, with special reference to the length of time taken to deal with applications and inquiries; and if he will make a statement. [23916]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienOver time, the Immigration and Nationality Directorate's customers will benefit from a faster and more consistent response to both applications and inquiries. The actual levels of services which will be provided in any year will depend on the available resources and demand. The implementation timetable for the new system, casework performance targets, staffing levels and the number of job reductions for 1998–99 have not been finalised.