Passport Applications

Part of Opposition Day — [1st Allotted Day] – in the House of Commons at 1:25 pm on 18 June 2014.

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Photo of Theresa May Theresa May The Secretary of State for the Home Department 1:25, 18 June 2014

The vast majority of applications are straightforward: renewal or replacement applications for which the forms have been properly completed and all the required documents are available. Those applications are processed more easily than first-time applications because the individual has all the information that they need to provide. It is the case that first-time applications take longer than three weeks, and we have always been clear, as the Passport Office has always been clear, that first-time applications take longer because, of course, an interview is needed. That is part of the security that was introduced for passports, and I think we were absolutely right to introduce it. I shall see if I can get a precise figure for the right hon. Lady.