§ Mr. Ken HargreavesTo ask the Attorney-General what plans he has to bring about a reduction in the length of time taken to conclude immigration appeals; and if he will make a statement.
§ The Attorney-GeneralThe workload of the immigration appellate authorities—IAA—has increased significantly in recent years. There was a 60 per cent. increase in 1988, 30 per cent. in 1989, 30 per cent. in 1990 and the increase for 1991 is projected to be 15 to 20 per cent. In response to these increases, the Lord Chancellor's Department has recruited additional staff and part-time adjudicators for the IAA to help keep waiting times for cases to be determined to a minimum. The Lord Chancellor's Department has also installed a multi-terminal case-tracking system at Thanet house in London and this will be operational by January 1992. This system will allow the IAA to monitor accurately and frequently the movement of appeals and so assist in the efficient disposal of cases, and help reduce waiting times for cases to be determined.
Furthermore, the Government intend to create a right of appeal for asylum seekers refused refugee status. The draft asylum appeals procedure rules set out the procedure and timetable envisaged for asylum appeals, and the recruitment of additional staff and adjudicators will facilitate their speedy and efficient disposal.
§ Mr. VazTo ask the Attorney-General how many people are awaiting hearings at the immigration appeals tribunal.
§ The Attorney-GeneralAs at 31 October 1991, a total of 547 appellants were awaiting a hearing before the immigration appeal tribunal. This figure represents 389 cases.