HC Deb 28 October 1975 vol 898 c447W
Mr. Lee

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs (1) what is the average time currently being taken for the disposal of applications for permanent entry into the United Kingdom made by persons living in India; and if he is satisfied with the time taken;

(2) what is the average time currently being taken for the disposal of applications for permanent entry into the United Kingdom made by persons living in Bangladesh; and if he is satisfied with the time taken.

(3) what is the average length of time currently being taken for the disposal of applications for permanent entry into the United Kingdom made by persons living in Pakistan; and if he is satisfied with the time taken.

Mr. Rowlands

The average waiting time for a first interview remains 16 months in India, 22 months in Pakistan and 18 months in Bangladesh, despite a substantial increase in the number of interviews. I shall not be satisfied until the long waiting periods are drastically reduced. I hope the recent introduction by the Home Secretary of a simplified interview for certain categories of settlement applicants will help.