HC Deb 07 April 1998 vol 310 cc174-5W
Mr. Davidson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what factors underlie the number of staff at the Immigration Advisory Service, Scottish Office; [38158]

(2) what factors underlie the proposed reduction in the number of staff at the Immigration Advisory Service, Scottish Office. [37910]

Ms Quin

The staffing arrangements of the Immigration Advisory Service are a matter for the Trustees.

Mr. Davidson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum cases are dealt with in the Immigration Advisory Service Office based in(a) Birmingham, (b) Cardiff, (c) Central London, (d) Gatwick, (e) Glasgow, (f) Hounslow, (g) Leeds and (h) Manchester. [37911]

Ms Quin

The information requested is given in the table.

Asylum appeals disposed of by the Immigration Advisory Service, by office
March 1997-February 1998
Birmingham 53
Cardiff 8
Central London1 423
Glasgow 19
Hounslow 536
Leeds 10
Manchester 48
1Includes Detention Unit

There is no Immigration Advisory Service office at Gatwick.

Mr. Davidson

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the availability of free advice on immigration and asylum law in Scotland. [38159]

Ms Quin

The Immigration Advisory Service receives a grant from the Home Office under section 23 of the Immigration Act 1971. It is open to appellants in Scotland to seek free advice from the Immigration Advisory Service or from any other voluntary organisation.