§ 27. Clive EffordTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the additional costs to the Metropolitan Police Authority of tackling the threat of terrorism. [13366]
§ Mr. DenhamThe Government greatly appreciate the immediate response made by the Metropolitan Police Authority and service after the terrorist attack in the USA on 11 September.
88WThere has been a great deal of speculation as to the additional costs to the Metropolitan police of the increased security measures. We have set in train a process for the detailed assessment of the additional resources deployed.
The Government are actively considering these and hopes to make an announcement in the next few weeks.
§ 30. Mr. LoveTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what mechanisms are in place to prevent suspected terrorists from claiming asylum. [13369]
§ 37. Mr. RossTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what mechanisms are in place to ensure that suspected terrorists are not able to claim asylum. [13377]
§ Angela EagleDetails of all asylum applicants are checked against the immigration service warnings index. Asylum seekers are also fingerprinted and photographed when an application for asylum is made, with further checks made with the police and Security Service if any doubts or question marks arise in the initial interview.
The 1951 UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees also specifically precludes certain individuals from benefiting from its provisions, and allows refugees to be returned to their original country in certain circumstances. Measures in the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Bill, the Second Reading of which takes place today, deals specifically with this point.