§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs how many Jamaican nationals have applied for visas since 1 January; what was the comparable figure for the same period of 1993; what is the current waiting time between application and interview; if he will appoint additional staff to process applications; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. GoodladA total of 327 Jamaican nationals have applied in Kingston for entry clearance since 1 January. The corresponding figure for last year was 322. Applications to visit Britain are normally processed the same day. The one entry clearance officer in the British high commission in Kingston is assisted by a second such officer between 1 April and 30 September each year. The option to appoint additional staff, if required, to process applications is always under review.