HL Deb 25 July 1996 vol 574 c170WA
The Viscount of Falkland

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they accept the view of Lord Justice Simon Brown that there is no significant difference between the success rates of asylum applicants claiming in-country and of those claiming at the ports.

Baroness Blatch

In 1995 79.6 per cent. of in-country applicants were refused asylum and exceptional leave, compared with 77.6 per cent. of port applicants. However, the important issue, in the Government's opinion, is that those granted leave to enter on the basis that they will support themselves during their stay without recourse to public funds should be held to that requirement, whether or not they claim asylum. The previous regulations were an open invitation to people who have entered illegally, or for a different purpose, to gain access to the benefit system by making an abusive asylum application.