§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received concerning United Kingdom refugee policy, following his statement of 2 July; how many such representations(a) broadly supported his proposals and (b) opposed his proposals; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter LloydWe have received about 100 letters from hon. Members forwarding correspondence from their constituents and about 650 letters from members of the public. About half the letters received have been from members of Amnesty International, Charter 87, A Charter for Refugees, the Asylum Rights Campaign, and the Refugee Council, many on duplicated pro-formas. The majority of correspondents have expressed opposition to one or more aspects of the Government's proposals. The Government continue to believe that their proposals for reforming asylum procedures, including the introduction of new rights of appeal before removal for all those refused asylum, will ensure the protection of genuine refugees, while dealing effectively with the present misuse of asylum procedures.