HC Deb 14 November 1989 vol 160 c203W
Mr. Bernie Grant

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many complaints have been lodged by Kurdish asylum seekers against interpreters; and how many interpreters have had in excess of three complaints lodged against them since May;

(2) how many interpreters involved in Kurdish cases have been dismissed since 10 May;

(3) how many investigations have been instituted against interpreters in Kurdish asylum cases since I May.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

Information is not maintained on the basis of ethnic origin. Since May, 13 formal written complaints by Turkish asylum seekers or their representatives have been referred to immigration service headquarters. One interpreter has been the subject of more than three of these since May. Three investigations have been started, of which two have been concluded. No interpreters have been dismissed during this period, but two names have been removed from the list of casually-employed interpreters.

Mr. Bernie Grant

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) if he will state the procedures for the training of interpreters;

(2) whether he will state the recruitment procedures for interpreters in immigration and asylum cases.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

The recruitment of interpreters for permanent pensionable employment with the Home Office is conducted by the Civil Service Commission, which runs an open competition when a vacancy arises. In addition, fee-paid interpreting services are used by the immigration service on an ad hoc basis as required. Applicants are interviewed and assessed for the suitability by senior officers. No formal training is given, but interpreters are instructed to give a direct translation of questions put and answers given.

Mr. Bernie Grant

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will publish the standing instructions for interpreters in immigration and asylum cases.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

There are no written instructions for interpreters. Interpreters are briefed by senior officers before their services are used by the immigration service. The conduct of interviews in which an interpreter is used is the responsibility of the interviewing officer.