gistfile1.txt

if($applicationData['Applicant']['tel_code_id'] == null){
	echo $this->Form->input('Applicant.tel_code_id', array(
		'label' => 'International Telephone Code',
		'options' => $telCode,
		'empty' => true
		)
	);
}
else{
	echo $this->Form->input('Applicant.tel_code_id', array(
		'label' => 'International Telephone Code',
		'options' => $telCode,
		'selected' => $applicationData['Applicant']['tel_code_id']
		)
	);
}