Home Return Permit for cruise trip to Shanghai . How long will it take to get hold of the Permit ?

I and my wife are both British Citizens and hold valid British Citizen Passports. Moreover we are also the holders of Hong Kong Permanent Identity Cards. We intend to go for a Far East Cruise Trip starting from Shanghai and returning to Hong Kong as the final stop. The cruise departs from Shanghai on 08/10/2012 and docks in Hong Kong on 13/10/2012.

I have to ask if we now apply for a 10 years Home Return Permit via your China Embassy in London by personal hand delivery after completing the necessary application forms, how long will it take for us to get hold of the Home Return Permits ? You will appreciate that your answer of " how long to get the permits " is pertinent to us as we have to plan when to book our cruise trip with the travel agent with confidence and without the risk of not being able to get the permits in time for our travel on 08/10/2012.

If possible, please send us two sets of application forms for us to complete and return. My residential address is as follows :-

47 Windway Road
Victoria Park
Cardiff CF5 1AG
South Glamorgan

Thank your for your kind attention to this matter and I await your favourable reply.

Stephen Tong