§ Mr. Joplingasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether he will carry out an urgent investigation of the way in which passports are being issued, at short notice, to persons on the point of leaving the United Kingdom, because their original applications have become mislaid or delayed; and whether he is satisfied that conditions existing in the Passport Office in London, are not creating a situation where illegal entry into the United Kingdom is made easier.
§ Mr. LuardThe unprecedented increase in demand for passports this year has led to a large backlog of applications awaiting processing. People with applications in the pipeline who call at the London Passport Office because their 21W dates of travel are imminent are being granted passports of restricted validity if their original applications cannot readily be traced, and provided the Passport Office is satisfied they qualify for United Kingdom passports. My right hon. Friend does not consider this practice will have any bearing on illegal entry into the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Joplingasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many passports were issued and renewed at the London Passport Office in June; and how many emergency documents were issued during that month because of delays in processing first applications.
§ Mr. LuardIn June 1978, 36,385 passports were issued and 12,931 renewals, amendments and other services were performed at the London Passport Office. Restricted passports were issued because pending applications could not readily be traced in 19 cases.
§ Mr. Joplingasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the average length of time taken for letters containing applications for passports to be opened at the London Passport Office.
§ Mr. LuardPostal applications to the London Passport Office are now being opened within three or four days of receipt.