§ Earl Russellasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they accept that in matters involving the UN Convention, the word "refugee" applies to asylum seekers from the moment they make their claim, and if not, how they reconcile their view with Article 31.1 of the Convention.
§ Baroness BlatchIn the Government's opinion the Convention does not entitle asylum seekers to be treated as refugees until their refugee status has been recognised. The Government's view is entirely consistent with Article 31.1.