§ Mr. ÖpikTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what factors underlie the length of interval between application and completion of the process for aliens to apply for indefinite leave to remain in the United Kingdom, what plans he has to reduce this period; and if he will make a statement. [32821]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe factors vary according to the individual case, the category in which the application is being made, the need or otherwise for further information, and the number of other applications waiting to be decided. The introduction of compulsory application forms has enabled a large number of straightforward applications to be decided within a few days of receipt. The current computerisation and restructuring of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate's caseworking functions is intended to speed up caseworking times, including those for indefinite leave to remain.