HC Deb 04 July 1984 vol 63 cc210-1W
Mr. David Young

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what is the waiting time for travel visas to Britain from each of the immigration offices in the Indian sub-continent.

Mr. Whitney

Waiting time in months to first interview, as at 31 May, for applicants in the Indian subcontinent by country are as follows:

vacancies in his Department have been filled through the job release scheme in each of the last three years for which figures are available.

Mr. Whitney

Our records show that a total of 30 vacancies in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office were filled through the job release scheme in the three years 1981(11 vacancies), 1982 (14 vacancies) and 1983 (five vacancies).

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs whether any of those working in his Department are young people on the youth training scheme.

Mr. Whitney

We have no young people currently working under the youth training scheme in the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many employees in his Department are currently allowed day release facilities or other assistance to encourage them to continue their education.

Mr. Whitney

The information is as follows:

Number
Day release students 70
Open University students 27
Evening class students 66
Correspondence course students 3
Total 166

Mr. Nicholas Winterton

asked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what has been the total cost to his Department of assistance given to employees to encourage them to continue their education in each of the last three years for which figures are available.

Mr. Whitney

The costs were as follows:

Academic Years £
1981–82 9,768
1982–83 11,001
1983–84 12,900

These figures are course fees. In addition, financial assistance was given towards the cost of text books, examination fees and travelling expenses.