§ Mr. Stan Thorneasked the Lord Privy Seal if he will take steps to expedite the procedure for finalising applications for entry certificates by fiancés in the Indian Sub-continent.
§ Mr. LuceApplications for entry certificates by fiancés in the Indian Sub-continent are processed as quickly as staff resources permit. We are not prepared to give fiancés priority over other applicants wishing to join relatives in this country: but there has been a reduction in applications over the last two years with a consequent shortening of waiting times for interview.