§ Mr. ChopeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the application by Donald Russell McLachlin (Ref: M525305) for indefinite leave to remain in the UK will be determined; and what the reasons for the delay are. [133567]
§ Beverley Hughes[holding answer 21 October 2003]Mr. McLachlin's application was lodged in April. It could not be decided on initial consideration. Cases that cannot be initially decided are dealt with in order of receipt. The majority of these are expected to be decided within six months although particularly complex cases can take longer.
Applications received on or after 1 August attract a fee and we intend that decisions will be reached on these within 13 weeks. Mr. McLachlin's application was determined on 1 October and he has been informed of this decision.
I wrote to the hon. Member on 15 October to set out the position and suggest how Mr. McLachlin might proceed with an application.