HL Deb 29 January 1996 vol 568 cc100-1WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will publish the representations made by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees in relation to the proposed withdrawal of welfare benefits from asylum seekers; and if not, why not.

Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknish

The representations referred to were published in HC 81 of Session 1995/96, a report into benefits for asylum seekers, by the Social Security Select Committee.

Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What measures they intend to take to comply with the duty imposed by Article 22 of the Convention on the Rights of the Child to ensure that, despite the proposed exclusion of some asylum seekers from welfare and other benefits, children who are seeking refugee status in the United Kingdom will continue to receive appropriate protection and humanitarian assistance in the enjoyment of the rights set forth in that convention and in the other international human rights and humanitarian instruments to which the United Kingdom is party.

Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknish

We are satisfied that the provisions of the Social Security (Persons From Abroad) Miscellaneous Amendment Regulations 1996 are consistent with the UK's continuing obligations under the convention.