§ 12. Mr. John Wilkinson (Ruislip-Northwood)What was the average time taken during 1999 to decide applications for refugee status for asylum seekers admitted into the United Kingdom. [116796]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for the Home Department (Mr. Mike O'Brien)In 1999, the average time taken to decide asylum applications inherited from before July 1993 was 91 months. For those applications lodged after July 1993, the average time taken was 16 months. By December 1999, the time taken had reduced to 13 months, compared with 20 months in April 1997.
§ Mr. WilkinsonWhile the speeding up of the processing is welcome, is it not the case that the number of applicants has doubled since this Labour Government came to power? Is it not also the case that if there are 100,000 applicants waiting now, which I believe is true, some 87 per cent. of those will, at the conclusion of processing, be found to be bogus? Would it not be much better to conclude the processing within, let us say, one month, reducing the burden on the taxpayer and 20 eliminating the unrealistic expectations that are fed upon by those who encourage this despicable trade in asylum seekers?
§ Mr. O'BrienIt sounded as if the hon. Gentleman were supporting the Government's policy of a civil penalty, which aims to deal with these issues. For 1999, the figures were as follows: recognised as asylum seekers, 36 per cent.; given exceptional leave to remain, 11 per cent.; not recognised, 54 per cent. That helps put the matter in perspective.
Our aim is to deliver most initial decisions within two months, and most appeals within a further four months, by April 2001. We are meeting the targets for new applications from families with children. About 270 additional asylum decision-makers have been recruited and trained, and are now working. A further 200 are being recruited, and staffing levels are being monitored closely to ensure that output targets are met. New processes have been developed to speed up asylum decision-making without compromising quality.
We are making more decisions than ever before, and we are doing so fairly. We are now reaching the highest number of decisions that has ever been reached in any month. We have more staff working in the system than ever before. Where the previous Government failed completely, we are delivering.