Question to the Scotland Office:

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, if he will take steps to provide compensation for people in Scotland who have lost out financially as a result of delayed passport applications.

Her Majesty's Passport Office is dealing with the highest demand for passports in 12 years and the overwhelming majority of people continue to receive their new passports within three or four weeks. But we recognise that a number of people are having to wait too long.

On 12 June, my Rt hon Friend the Home Secretary announced a series of additional measures to ensure people and families receive their passports in good time for their summer holidays.

The Government apologises to anybody who has been unable to travel because of a delay in processing their passport application and we recognise people's understandable concerns. Her Majesty's Passport Office staff are doing everything possible to put things right.