§ Ms Oona KingTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what measures he is taking to reduce the number of passports lost by his Department when returning them to their owners; and if he will introduce guidance to ensure they are returned using a registered delivery postal service. [115331]
§ Mrs. RocheWe believe that the most important factor in reducing the numbers of lost passports is the rapid turnaround of casework and the elimination of backlogs. Over 70 per cent. of all after entry casework is now completed within two weeks and we expect the backlog to be eliminated by the summer. In addition, we are examining our processes with a view to improving the security of passports. We are also examining the costs that would be associated with returning passports by recorded delivery.