§ Mr. Chopeasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the average delay being experienced at present by applicants for (a) new and (b) renewed British passports.
§ Mr. WaddingtonBecause of industrial action earlier this year and an increase in demand, passport applications are taking longer to process than is normal at this time of year. Non-urgent applications for both new passports and other services are taking between five and six weeks to 179W process. Priority is being given to applications which indicate an early date of travel and every effort is being made to reduce the backlog as quickly as possible.