HC Deb 17 November 1997 vol 301 c36W
Mr. Soames

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will set out the detailed procedures in place for processing asylum seekers on their arrival at United Kingdom ports of entry. [15085]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

The procedures in place at ports of entry are designed to meet the United Kingdom's obligations under the 1951 United Nations Convention relating to the Status of Refugees while minimising the scope for abuse of the asylum process. These procedures allow for the prompt identification of asylum seekers; information to be provided about the asylum process and the agencies that can offer assistance; and the asylum claim to be forwarded to the Asylum Directorate of the Home Office at the earliest opportunity.

All procedures are kept under review and revised as necessary. More generally, a study of all aspects of the asylum process across Government is currently being carried out.

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