HL Deb 02 March 1998 vol 586 c130WA
Lord Renfrew of Kaimsthorn

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether statistics of asylum applicants who have not been called for interview are a relevant measure of the effective administration of immigration policy. [HL712]

Lord Williams of Mostyn

The volume of cases in the asylum backlog is an important test of the overall effectiveness of the procedures. But, within that, it is the number of applicants awaiting decision rather than awaiting interview which is the relevant measure. In August last year we announced a study of the asylum process as part of the Government's comprehensive spending review. That study is, among other things, looking at the whole problem of delays and backlogs and is expected to report shortly.