HC Deb 09 June 1997 vol 295 c324W
26. Mr. Gerrard

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he is taking to reduce the current backlog of asylum applications awaiting determination. [940]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

As we said in our Manifesto, the system for dealing with asylum seekers is expensive and too slow.

We are critically evaluating all aspects of asylum law and procedures. This includes the 1996 Act. Reducing the backlog of cases which we inherited is an important element of that process.

The taxpayer and the asylum seeker are entitled to decisions which are swift and fair.