HL Deb 07 April 1998 vol 588 cc120-1WA
Lord Avebury

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will announce that any asylum applicants who lodged applications before the Asylum and Immigration Appeals Act 1993 came into force on 26 July 1993, and who have received no initial decision by 26 July 1998, will be granted exceptional leave to remain. [HL1329]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

An inter-departmental study has been looking at all aspects of the asylum system, including how best to deal with the backlog of cases inherited from the previous administration. The study team has now concluded its work and we are considering its findings very carefully. We shall make announcements on the way ahead as soon as we can.