§ Ms Oona KingTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many persons given extended exceptional leave to remain were wrongly refused benefit in the last 12 months; and what was the cost of correcting such decisions. [36246]
487W
§ Mr. FieldThe information is not available. Following representations from asylum seeker and refugee organisations, revised guidance was issued to Benefits Agency staff in November 1997 which makes clear that where a claimant applies to the Home Office to extend their limited exceptional leave to remain before the period expires they will continue to be entitled to benefit pending the Home Office decision.