Naturalisation (Hansard, 20 June 1990)

§ Mr. Peter Lloyd

[holding answer 19 June 1990]: Present waiting times for naturalisation cases stem from the exceptional level of citizenship applications of all kinds received at the end of 1987. The increase in naturalisation applications seems to have resulted from a mistaken belief on the part of many applicants that the then ending of certain rights of registration applied also to naturalisation. Many applied after long previous residence in the United Kingdom without apparently experiencing either inconvenience over travelling or earlier desire to assume citizenship. All have been warned that their applications would be subject to considerable delay.

In May 1990, the average waiting time for all citizenship applications completed in that month was 26 months; for naturalisation alone it was 29 months. These long waiting times result from the large number of applications—almost 300,000—submitted in 1987. The number of applications received from January 1988 was much smaller, and when the end-1987 cases are cleared the position will begin to improve.

My right hon. and learned Friend announced on 31 January, in answer to a question by my hon. Friend the Member for Westminster, North (Sir J. Wheeler), that nationality work would be transferred to Liverpool by 1991. That transfer is proceeding. Earlier forecasts of performance are, however, having to be revised in the light of new information about intake of new applications, the disruption caused by the process of transfer, and lower levels of output on the more difficult naturalisation casework than on registration. It is now clear that we shall not be able to reduce waiting times as quickly as we had hoped, and although we continue to expect an improvement later in this financial year and next, they are likely to remain above 20 months until some time after April 1991.

We regret waiting times of this length and are giving urgent consideration to the priority that should be given to nationality work as against other functions of the immigration and nationality department. Close account will also be taken of the report of the Home Affairs Committee published today. It is, however, relevant to note that those awaiting the determination of citizenship applications are not prevented from continuing to enjoy residence rights or from travelling on the passports of their current nationality.