Further to the letter from Kahn Priestly (see [2005] Gazette, 28 July, 14), I am no fan of the Home Office's Immigration and Nationality Directorate or its Web site, but there are some standards for 'confirmation of knowledge of English' via solicitors and they are on the Web site, although they are not easy to track down.


As I understand it, solicitors can only certify the knowledge of English of those who are native speakers of English or have equivalent knowledge.


It is possible to assess this through five minutes' general conversation. Applicants for British nationality who are not native speakers should not be sent to solicitors to obtain their certification. They can prove their knowledge of English either by producing suitable educational certificates or by passing an ESOL entry 3 initial assessment by a suitably qualified language teacher.


Having confused solicitors thoroughly on this topic, the government now intends to make us redundant - from the autumn, applicants for British nationality will either have to undergo an English course or pass a test on English culture that will itself require a good knowledge of English, thus making separate certification unnecessary.


For more information, visit: www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/ind/en/home/news/press_releases/new_language_requirement.html. Click on annexes at the bottom of the page; annex C is designed specifically for solicitors.


You can also see ministerial statements and updates on this topic at www.ind.homeoffice.gov.uk/ind/en/home/applying/british_nationality.html.


Margaret Thirlway, head of employment and immigration, SA Law, St Albans, Hertfordshire