§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the policy of his Department in relation to divulging to(a) the media and (b) other third parties any information concerning applications in the United Kingdom for political asylum; and what assessment he has made of whether his Department's policy was properly observed in the case of Ms Tamara Norashkaryan.
§ Mr. Charles WardleIt remains the normal policy not to divulge to any third party, including the media, the fact that an individual has applied for asylum or has been granted or refused asylum. However, where an applicant694W chooses for their own reasons to publicise details of their application, the nature of the consideration, or any decision made in respect of it, we reserve the right to comment publicly on their statements, if appropriate. I am satisfied that this policy is properly observed.