§ Mr. McLarenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for certificates of naturalisation are pending; what is the average length of time between the receipt of an application and the announcement of a decision; and what proposals he has to ensure that applications are dealt with more promptly.
§ Mr. Lane2,375 applications are currently being dealt with. Cases take from seven to 13 months. Full inquiries have to be made and these are bound to take a substantial time, but we are hoping to reduce the period.