§ Mr. Maddenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the current average delay between submission and decision in applications made in the United Kingdom for British citizenship.
§ Mr. WaddingtonAt present, for naturalisation the average time taken is just under 21 months. In registration cases generally, it is 14 months. Average figures can be misleading. For example about 75 per cent. of registration cases are currently being completed in just under the 14-month average. Separate records of the time taken for minors are not kept. They are included here in registration cases.
§ Mr. Maddenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received arising from proposed changes in fees for British citizenship and nationality, especially in regard to children.
§ Mr. WaddingtonWe have received one letter from a Member of this House and three from members of the public about the changes in fees. In addition, three letters have been received from organisations. Of the letters received one made specific comment about the change in the fee payable for the registration of minor children.