To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what meetings he has had regarding the reorganisation of Lunar House and the introduction of a new computer system to deal with immigration and asylum applications; what representations he has received about delays in the provision of immigration services; and if he will make a statement. [78245]

[holding answer 23 March 1999]: I have had a number of meetings regarding the reorganisation of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate and will continue to do so. I have received representations about the current delays there from hon. Members, from interest groups and from the business community. I am, therefore, taking a close personal interest in improving the level of service.The Home Secretary and I recently met with officials from the Immigration and Nationality Directorate and Siemens Business Services to discuss the casework programme. Siemens Business Services have reiterated their commitment to working in partnership to deliver the major modernisation programme as a whole.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he has taken to improve the situation for clients at the Immigration and Nationality Directorate in Croydon. [77346]

The reorganisation in the Immigration and Nationality Directorate in Croydon has caused significant disruption and delays in the throughput of cases. A number of steps have been taken to improve matters. These include taking on additional staff, running special exercises to target priority cases and providing additional temporary accommodation to the Public Caller Unit to ensure that all callers are seen on the day by a member of staff. In addition, there have been changes in procedure which have resulted in increasing productivity particularly relating to straightforward cases. Extra training has also been provided in certain key areas to ensure maximum flexibility of staff resources and a steady throughput of work.