HC Deb 25 July 1983 vol 46 c336W
Mr. Meadowcroft

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the current average delay between interviews in the Indian sub-continent following application to enter the United Kingdom as the fiancé or husband of a British citizen and the determination of such application.

Mr. Whitney

If the entry clearance officer is satisfied that the application meets the requirements of the immigration rules, entry clearance is issued without delay. If further enquiries need to be made there may be a lapse of some months before a determination is made. This will be further extended if a refusal is followed by an appeal. No average can therefore be given without detailed investigations that would involve disproportionate cost.