§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Attorney-General what action he intends to take in order to improve facilities for immigration appeals in Leeds; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe Lord Chancellor's Department is actively considering increasing the number of hearing rooms available at Coronet house, Leeds for hearing immigration appeals, and a survey will shortly be undertaken with a view to improving the ventilation facilities there. The Lord Chancellor's Department is also keeping under review facilities and staffing levels at all hearing centres in light of the increasing number of appeals.
§ Mr. HinchliffeTo ask the Attorney-General if he will define the period of delay which is regarded as acceptable before immigration appeal hearings are heard; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Attorney-GeneralIt is impractical to identify any particular period as more or less acceptable because of the widely differing nature of individual appeals, appellants and their representatives. For example, in appeals from persons abroad, their representatives in the United Kingdom may need considerable time to obtain instructions from the appellants.
A B C1 A+B/C Cases received by adjudicators Applications received for leave to appeal to the Immigration Appeal Tribunal Average number of staff in post at the Immigration Appellate Authorities 1987 9,735 1,256 77 142.7 1988 14,365 2,211 79 209.8 1989 18,707 3,143 81 269.8 19902 19,653 2,836 85 264.6 1 Excluding Judicial Personnel. 2 January to October 1990.