§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will arrange for the release of Mr. Karamjit Singh Chahal from Bedford prison.
§ Mr. Peter LloydI am satisfied that a decision to release Mr. Chahal cannot be justified at the present time.
§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received concerning Mr. Karamjit Singh Chahal; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter LloydRepresentations on Mr. Chahal's behalf have been received from several hon. Members, his legal representatives, concerned members of the Sikh community, Amnesty International and other concerned individuals. The representations have concerned the reasons for the decision to make a deportation order on grounds of national security; the decision to detain Mr. Chahal; and his claim to political asylum. Mr. Chahal has indicated that he wishes to make representations to the three advisers, and I shall ensure that all representations made to the Home Office are brought to their attention. My right hon. Friend shall, of course, review the case fully in the light of the advisers' recommendations, the available evidence and any representations made on Mr. Chahal's behalf.
§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will arrange for Mr. Karamjit Singh Chahal to be able to appeal, with legal representation, against refusal to grant him asylum in the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. Peter LloydMr. Chahal has no statutory entitlement to appeal to the independent appellate authorities against the decision to refuse him political asylum. He does, however, have an entitlement to appeal against any directions set for his removal from the United Kingdom. In addition, he has asked to make representations to the three advisers about my right hon. Friend's decision to deport him for reasons of national security. Any request for him to be legally represented before the three advisers is a matter for their consideration.