§ Lord McCluskeyasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will explain (i) why all cases heard by the Immigration Appeals Tribunal are heard in London, (ii) when such tribunal will start hearing cases in Scotland and (iii) whether or not in the intervening period Her Majesty's Government intend to reimburse the legal representatives of appellants in respect of their travelling expenses to and from London to attend tribunal hearings in order to represent appellants then residing in Scotland.
§ The Lord Chancellor (Lord Mackay of Clashfern)The question concerns a matter which has been assigned to the Court Service under the terms of its framework document. I have therefore asked the Chief Executive to respond.
90WALetter to Lord McCluskey from the Chief Executive of the Court Service, Mr. Michael Huebner, dated 28th January 1997.
The Lord Chancellor has asked me to reply to your Question about the Immigration Appeal Tribunal.
The Immigration Appeal Tribunal has historically been based in London since the overwhelming majority of appeals to the tribunal emanate from the South East of England. However, while fewer than 1 per cent. of appellants live in Scotland, the tribunal will start hearing cases there on 20th February.
There is no provision in immigration appeal proceedings for the payment of legal representatives' expenses out of public funds. Appellants in Scotland who are unable to afford their own legal representatives can seek the assistance of the Immigration Advisory Service, which is provided free of charge.