HC Deb 30 July 1984 vol 65 c72W
Mr. Rooker

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many immigration appeals adjudicators are drawn from the ethnic minorities.

Mr. Waddington

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to his question on 26 March at column 22. Since then one full-time adjudicator, not from the ethnic minorities, has retired.

Mr. Rooker

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will make a statement giving the composition of the selection board for the consideration of applications and the interviewing of candidates for immigration appeals adjudicators and include details of the sexes, ages and experience of the members; and if it contains any members of the ethnic minorities;

(2) how many applications were received in respect of the last 10 vacancies for immigration appeal adjudicators; how many were interviewed; and how many applicants, interviewees and appointees were from the ethnic minorities.

Mr. Waddington

Adjudicators are appointed by the Home Secretary. A board is established from time to time as necessary to consider applications and make recommendations to him. The last board, set up in 1982, consisted of a senior officer from the Home Office establishment department as chairman, a senior officer from the immigration and nationality department and the Chief Adjudicator, together, for full-time adjudicator posts, with the president of the Immigration Appeal Tribunal. On that occasion occasion there were 913 applicants, of whom 25 were interviewed, and two full-time and six part-time adjudicators subsequently appointed. It is not possible to say how many of the applicants were from the ethnic minorities. Three of those interviewed were from the ethnic minorities; of them one was appointed as a part-time adjudicator.

Mr. Rooker

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if any training is provided for immigration appeals adjudicators.

Mr. Waddington

The training of adjudicators is the responsibility of the Chief Adjudicator. I understand from the immigration appellate authorities that he makes arrangements for new adjudicators to be prepared for their appointment by an experienced full-time adjudicator.