Naturalisation

Mr. Bidwell
asked the secretary of State for the Home Department what was the general waiting time in 1982 for processing applications for naturalisation; and what he anticipates it will be during 1983.

Mr. Waddington
Twenty-three months in 1982. Provided there is no marked increase in the number of applications, there should be a gradual reduction in average waiting time in 1983.

Mr. Bidwell
asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will publish monthly figures of applications for naturalisation or citizenship made in 1982 and being made in 1983.

Mr. Waddington
The information for 1982 is as follows: ----------
|January |
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|February|
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|March    |
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|April    |
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|May      |
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|June     |
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|July     |
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|August   |
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|September|
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|October  |
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|November |
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|December |
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|TOTAL    |
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It is not the practice to publish citizenship figures on a monthly basis but they can be supplied on request.