§ 19 Mr. MorganTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received on the impact of the measures contained in the Asylum and Immigration Bill on charities dealing with the destitute and homeless. [25056]
§ Miss WiddecombeWe have received a number of representations expressing concern about the impact of the Bill's housing provisions. The Government consider it wrong that people who are present without valid leave or have been admitted on the basis that they will have no recourse to public funds should be able to claim housing assistance form local authorities. Clause 9 will enable that anomaly to be removed.
§ Mr. LoydenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the impact on the employment of members of ethnic minorities of the Asylum and Immigration Bill. [25059]
§ Miss WiddecombeWe believe that the Asylum and Immigration Bill will improve the employment position of members of the ethnic minorities lawfully resident in the United Kingdom and entitled to work here. Illegal working damages them just as it does everyone else who is entitled to work here.