HC Deb 22 July 1993 vol 229 cc372-3W
Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people were waiting for special quota vouchers in(a) India, (b) east Africa and (c) the rest of the world in (i) May 1992 and (ii) December 1992; when those issued with vouchers on those dates had applied; how many vouchers were issued in (1) India, (2) east Africa and (3) the rest of the world in (A) 1992 and (B) the first quarter of 1993; when those applying now can expect to receive vouchers; and how many applicants there were for vouchers in (v) India, (w) east Africa and (x) the rest of the world in (y) 1992 and (z) the first half of 1993.

Mr. Charles Wardle

The information which is currently available is given in the tables.

Table 1. Persons applying for a special voucher for entry to the United Kingdom
Application newly received1 Vouchers issued Applications awaiting a decision at end of
Country 1992 1993 1st quarter 1992 1993 1st quarter Quarter 2 1992 Quarter 4 1992
India 320 50 490 70 270 200
Kenya 220 60 200 50 550 540
Tanzania 20 2 10 2 60 60
Malawi 2 2 2 2 2
Zambia 20 2 20 2 2 10
Rest of the world 10 10 2 2
Total 580 120 730 130 890 820
1 Including applications subsequently withdrawn or lapsed. Figures rounded to nearest ten.
2 Fewer than five.

Table 2. Waiting times for persons applying for a special voucher
Months
Waiting time to main interview for Persons interviewed at end of Persons applying at end of
Country Quarter 2 1992 Quarter 4 1992 Quarter 1 1993 1Quarter 1 1993
India 4.00 4.00 3.00 3.00
Kenya n/a n/a n/a 2.00
Tanzania 1.00 3.00 1.50 1.50
Malawi 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
Zambia 1.00 n/a n/a n/a
Rest of the world
1 Data relates to expected waiting time.
2 Data relates to non-priority applicants. Priority applicants—widows with child in United Kingdom, heads of household aged 65 or over and compassionate cases—are interviewed within three months.
n/a = Not available.