§ The Earl of Sandwichasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they support the European Union's proposal to set minimum standards for the reception of asylum seekers; and, if so, within what timetable could these be implemented.
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Williams of Mostyn)A draft measure on conditions for the reception of asylum seekers was proposed under the Spanish Presidency of the European Union in 1996. This was not progressed by the Dutch and Luxembourg Presidencies this year. We have no plans at present to seek agreement on such a measure under our Presidency next year.