Asylum Bill (Hansard, 27 January 1992)

§ Lord Ennals
asked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they intend to proceed with the Asylum Bill.

The Minister of State, Home Office (Earl Ferrers)
Yes, my Lords.

§ Lord Ennals
My Lords, I thank the noble Lord for his Answer. Bearing in mind the serious objections to this legislation from all parties, from the Churches, the British Refugee Council, the United Nations Association and ethnic groups, on grounds that it is likely to damage race relations in this country, do the Government feel that it would be better if such controversial legislation were to be postponed until after the election?

Earl Ferrers
No, my Lords. I do not think so. The fact is that in 1988 we had 4,000 people applying for asylum in this country and last year we had 45,000. That number is enormous and the delay is enormous. 1056 We are trying to bring forward a Bill which will be fair to everyone and which will be expeditious in its enactment.

§ Lord Richard
My Lords, perhaps the noble Earl can help the House a little more. The United Kingdom Immigration Advisory Service was, in the Government's original proposals, to take over the role of providing legal advice for asylum seekers. Can the noble Earl confirm that the UK Immigration Advisory Service rejected that role? Can he tell the House what role the Government now see for the United Kingdom Immigration Advisory Service in this respect? How are asylum seekers to obtain proper legal advice.

Earl Ferrers
My Lords, the Government believe that the United Kingdom Immigrants Advisory Service plays a great part for the benefit of those who seek to enter this country. There was a proposal with regard to the withdrawal of the green form, which I presume is what is behind the point of the noble Lord, Lord Richard. That was only a proposal. My noble and learned friend the Lord Chancellor has made it quite clear that he will not make any change until he is satisfied that effective alternative arrangements are in place; and there are no firm plans at present. There will be consultation.

§ Lord Richard
My Lords, I take it then that the proposal to use the UKIAS for this purpose is now on the shelf?

Earl Ferrers
No, my Lords, it is not on the shelf. There was a proposal and it is being considered. When the proposal has been considered the Government will make an announcement.

§ Lord Ennals
My Lords, would the noble Earl suggest that there is any truth in the thought that the Bill as it now stands is in contravention of our commitments under the 40 year-old 1951 convention on refugees?

Earl Ferrers
My Lords, I would not suggest that. If the noble Lord, Lord Ennals, were to do so, I would reject it.