Kahn Priestly should be aware that notaries public have been carrying out English language tests for applicants for British citizenship since the then Home Secretary, David Blunkett, made the regulation in 2004 (see [2005] Gazette, 28 July, 14).


The Notaries Society, following consultation with the Home Office, devised a form of certificate acceptable to both.


I have refused certificates in about 10% of cases, initially without charge but subsequently charging 50% of the usual fee to reflect the time spent - a fee that is not always paid with good grace.


I offer to repeat the test after the applicant has made sufficient progress with knowledge of English.


Derek Lambert, Nelson, Lancashire