§ Mr. Cordleasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether, in view of the need to maintain and strengthen ties of friendship and good will between the countries of the Commonwealth, and, in particular, Nigeria and Great Britain, he will take steps to ensure that all applications to the British High Commission in Lagos for visas to enter the United Kingdom are dealt with expeditiously.
§ Mr. LuardAlthough we are aware that there have been delays, particularly 791W to tourists and students, during the very busy summer season, applications are normally dealt with expeditiously. Additional temporary staff including two entry clearance officers, are attached to the High Commission in Lagos to mitigate the summer season delay.
§ Mr. Cordleasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many complaints have been made to him about the time which is taken up between the date of making an application to the British High Commission in Lagos for a visa to enter the United Kingdom and the date of issue of the same.
§ Mr. LuardIn recent months there have been very few complaints. I should be happy to look into any particular case which the hon. Member may wish to bring to my attention.
§ Mr. Cordleasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the average waiting time between the time of the making of an application to the British High Commission in Lagos for a visa to enter the United Kingdom and the issuing of the same.
§ Mr. LuardMost Nigerian travellers to Britain do not require entry certificates and therefore need experience no delay. In cases where an interview is necessary the waiting time is currently nine or 10 days. In the summer period the waiting time can extend to six weeks. When additional documentation or enquiries are necessary there is inevitably some further delay.