HL Deb 15 October 1996 vol 574 cc194-5WA
Earl Russell

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the Secretary of State for Social Security's remark on 15th July that "persons who are found to be genuine refugees and those granted exceptional leave to remain, will continue to qualify for help" (H.C. Deb., col. 845), whether there is any way they can know which refugees are genuine before their claims are heard.

Lord Mackay of Ardbrecknish

Benefit rules do not attempt to anticipate the decision on whether an individual asylum seeker is a genuine refugee or not. The rules make a distinction between those who have made their position clear as soon as they arrive and those who have entered illegally, or claimed some other status. Those found to be refugees or granted exceptional leave will be able to qualify for benefit under normal rules.