HC Deb 19 May 1975 vol 892 cc285-6W
Mr. Lee

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs further to his answer of 25th April, what is the average length of time currently taken by officials of his Department to process in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh, respectively, applications by intend- ing immigrants; what extra staff have been recruited since 1st January; what plans he has for further recruitment; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Ennals

The average length of waiting time for a first interview is now from 14 to 16 months in India, 22 months in Pakistan and 18 months in Bangladesh.

The reinforcements announced in the House on 26th June 1974 are now complete. Ancillary staff, both United-Kingdom-based and locally engaged, have been provided as necessary. No further recruitment is planned. We must now assess the effectiveness of these increases over a period of time.