Atkinson40. Mr. asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the average time taken by the United Kingdom's High Commissions throughout the Indian sub-continent to investigate and approve applications made for entry certificates on behalf of dependants of immigrants already resident in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. LuardThe volume of applications is such that there is a waiting period between the time of application and the interview at the diplomatic post concerned. The estimated waiting times for those applying now at the posts mainly concerned are approximately five months at Delhi, 18 months at Dacca, 19 months at Islamabad, 13 months at Bombay and 19 months at Karachi. For those cases which are not decided at the first interview there are further delays varying from a week or two to 15 months.