HL Deb 12 February 2001 vol 622 c20WA
Lord Marlesford

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the target time for passengers arriving at London Airport (Heathrow) between entering the immigration hall and being seen by an immigration officer; and whether they are satisfied with the current average waiting time. [HL70]

Lord Bassam of Brighton

Current target clearance times for non-European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EAA) nationals not requiring further examination at the four Heathrow Terminals are:

  • Terminal 1: 95 per cent in less than 30 minutes
  • Terminal 2: 90 per cent in less than 30 minutes
  • Terminal 3: 85 per cent in less than 30 minutes
  • Terminal 4: 85 per cent in less than 30 minutes

The target time for EU/EAA nationals is that they should pass through the controls without delay.

Regular independent surveys (conducted by BAA) of arriving passengers demonstrates a high level of satisfaction with all aspects of the service provided by the Immigration Service. The Immigration Service is, nevertheless, constantly striving to achieve further improvements.