HL Deb 28 January 2003 vol 643 c144WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have received evidence that the new Rules under the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 are leading some new arrivals into rough sleeping and destitution, although they had claimed asylum as quickly as practically possible; and what remedial measures they have in mind. [HL1104]

The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Filkin)

Under Section 55 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002, those who make their asylum claim as soon as reasonably practicable after arrival in the United Kingdom continue to be supported. We have not received any such evidence in respect of asylum seekers who have been judged by the Home Office to have made their asylum claim as soon as reasonably practicable. The operation of Section 55 is being kept under review.