HL Deb 20 July 1998 vol 592 cc70-1WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many Home Office Presenting Officers are employed for the hearing of asylum and immigration appeals; and [HL2638]

Whether they consider that a sufficient number of Home Office Presenting Officers are employed to meet the demands of the appeal system for immigration and asylum cases. [HL2640]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

On 10 July 1998, 96.6 staff were employed. There is a temporary shortage of Presenting Officers in London and the South East, which has arisen as a result of recruitment constraints within the Home Office. This is now being actively addressed.

Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have performance standards or criteria for the employment and use of Home Office Presenting Officers in immigration and asylum appeals; and, if so, whether they will publish them. [HL2641]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

Presenting Officers are either Higher Executive Officers or Chief Immigration Officers and meet the normal criteria for membership of those grades. As part of the Home Office staff appraisal process, each Presenting Officer is continuously assessed against an individual agreed set of performance standards which takes into account the contribution made towards unit targets.