Written question asked by James Clappison (Conservative) on Monday, 22 March 1999, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 29 March 1999. It was answered by Geoffrey Hoon (Labour) on Monday, 29 March 1999 on behalf of the Lord Chancellor's Department.

Lord Chancellors Dept

Question: To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department, how many adjudications are required to deal with appeals against entry clearance refusals; and what estimate he has made of the number needed in each of the next five years. - Inc figs.

Answer: Mr. Clappison: To ask the Minister of State, Lord Chancellor's Department how many adjudications are required to deal with appeals against entry clearance refusals; and what estimate he has made of the number needed in each of the next five years. [78690] Mr. Hoon: The information provided is based on the assumption that it is the number of adjudicators, and not adjudications, that is required. There are 50 full-time and 200 part-time adjudicators and approximately 17 per cent. of their time, equivalent to 2,500 sitting days per year, is spent on appeals against decisions by entry clearance officers. Current plans for the next three years assume that 1,750 days will be necessary per year, rising to 2,250 when the provisions of the Immigration and Asylum Bill for appeals against refusals of visas for family visits, if approved by Parliament are implemented. No forecasts have been made beyond the next three years.

Secondary information