HC Deb 31 October 1995 vol 265 cc243-4W
Mr. Madden

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if, under his recent new proposals, an asylum seeker will be entitled to claim benefits between the initial refusal of the asylum application and any appeal against refusal to grant asylum before a special adjudicator; and if he will make a statement. [40445]

Mr. Roger Evans

Under the proposals, a person who claims asylum immediately upon arrival in the UK will be eligible to claim income support, housing benefit and council tax benefit from the point when their asylum claim is recorded to the point when they receive an initial refusal. A person who claims asylum after arrival in the UK will not normally be entitled to any benefits. However, nationals of countries which have undergone a significant upheaval since their arrival in the UK will be eligible for benefit up to the point of an initial refusal of their asylum claim. In all cases no benefit will be payable during the appeals process.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security (1) if, under the proposed new rules regarding benefits for refugees, a genuine refugee who successfully claims asylum after entering the United Kingdom will have his or her entitlement to income support backdated to the date the claim for asylum; [40614]

(2) if the proposed protection of the benefit entitlements of nationals of countries affected by significant upheavals will be extended to other persons claiming asylum because of a well-founded fear of persecution arising from events occurring after their arrival in the United Kingdom not amounting to a significant upheaval but affecting their families or other groups of which they are or were members. [40611]

Mr. Evans

We referred proposals affecting the benefit entitlement of asylum seekers and other persons from abroad to the Social Security Advisory Committee on 11 October. We will consider the position fully once the committee has reported on its consultation exercise.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what steps he proposes to take to ensure that, when a country has undergone events giving rise to a well-founded fear of persecution among its nationals, people who may, as a result, become entitled to benefits as asylum seekers are aware of their potential entitlement. [40608]

Mr. Evans

The Secretary of State will be advised by the Home Secretary when a country has been listed as having undergone an upheaval, such as to give rise to a well-founded fear of persecution of its nationals. The Benefits Agency will therefore advise claimants accordingly. The Home Secretary will inform relevant asylum interest groups and asylum law organisations that the country has been so listed.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security if he will amend the Income Support (General) Regulations so as to make income support payable to asylum seekers as from 8 January 1996 at the full rate rather than 90 per cent. [40609]

Mr. Evans

I have no plans to do so.

Mr. Flynn

To ask the Secretary of State for Social Security what research has been carried out into the reasons for persons claiming asylum after arrival in the United Kingdom; and what were the main findings relevant to the proposal to remove their entitlement to benefits. [40610]

Mr. Evans

I am not aware of any specific research project on this subject. However, according to Home Office figures, about 70 per cent. of asylum seekers claim in country having entered the UK as visitors, tourists or students. Only 4 per cent. of asylum decisions result in recognition as a refugee. Regardless of the reasons for persons claiming asylum after arrival, the Government believe that it cannot be right to pay benefits to this group. Those who claim asylum on entry to the UK will still have access to the benefits system while their asylum application is considered.