§ Baroness Whitakerasked Her Majesty's Government:
How long the pilot scheme for a £5,000 bond to be provided by certain visitors from the Indian sub-continent will last; how those visitors who are liable will be determined; what criteria will be applied in monitoring the scheme; and whether the scheme complies with the Human Rights Act and the United Kingdom's international treaty obligations. [HL859]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Bassam of Brighton)Our proposed pilot scheme for financial bonds will begin in October and last about 15 months. No decision has yet been made on the amount of the bond or the location of the pilot scheme. The option of a bond will be available as a facility in those cases where the intention to return may be in doubt. We shall monitor the pilot to evaluate its effectiveness and usefulness and to ensure it does not disadvantage particular groups of applicants. We shall ensure that the design of the scheme is compatible with the Human Rights Act 1998 and our international treaty obligations.