§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many consular staff were employed in Bangladesh in June 1979; and what are the figures at the latest available date.
§ Mr. RentonThe information is as follows:
June 1979
- Consular and immigration staff:
- 20 United Kingdom-based, 26 locally engaged
December 1984
- Consular and immigration staff:
- 20 United Kingdom-based, 36 locally engaged
In addition, in both years, there were temporary relief staff to help cover leave absences.
§ Mr. Parryasked the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what plans he has to speed up the issue of entry certificates in Bangladesh; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. RentonFollowing my visit to Dhaka in January, I have reviewed the situation and we are committed to provide temporary staff reinforcement to make up for leave absences to ensure that th effective strength of the immigration section is 15 ECOs. Overlaps are being arranged in order that new staff will be fully operative before taking over their predecessors' jobs. Other measures are being considered.