§ Mr. David Youngasked the Lord Privy Seal how many staff at each United Kingdom high commission in the Indian Sub-continent carry out interviews for entry certificates; when their numbers were last increased; and by how much their numbers would have to be increased to reduce the average waiting time to six months.
§ Mr. Luce.The current establishments of entry clearance officers at posts in India, Pakistan and Bangladesh are: New Delhi 4, Bombay 5, Calcutta 1, Islamabad 17, Karachi 2, Dacca 14. Madras ceased to deal with entry clearance work in March 1980. Numbers were last increased in India—Bombay—in 1980; Pakistan—Islamabad and Karachi—in 1975 and Bangladesh—Dacca—in 1978.
At most posts applicants for temporary admission are seen without delay and settlement applicants granted priority interviews—about 60 per cent. in Bangladesh and India and 50 per cent. in Pakistan—are usually seen within six months. A calculation of overall average waiting times would consequently not be meaningful. To reduce the maximum waiting time for interview to six months it is estimated that a further 26 entry clearance officers would be required.