§ 27. Mr. Laneasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he is satisfied with the working of the immigration appeals system, with regard to appeals originating in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Alexander W. LyonI assume that the hon. Member has in mind the delay in processing appeals against refusal to vary leave to enter. The delays caused by time taken by officials to prepare the explanatory statements, which prevailed in 1973, have now been eliminated. Although the appellate authorities achieved a marked increase in the rate of disposal of these appeals last year the delay in arranging a hearing still gives cause for concern. A number of additional part-time adjudicators are being appointed to help clear the backlog.