§ Mr. ClappisonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the terms of reference for the study of the asylum process under the comprehensive spending review require consideration to be given to the use of information technology in dealing with asylum casework. [40636]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienAs I said in my reply to the hon. Member on 28 April 1998,Official Report, columns 95–96, we shall be computerising the handling of asylum casework through the implementation of the Immigration and Nationality Directorate Casework Programme. More generally, in accordance with its terms of reference the inter-departmental study has been considering ways in which all aspects of the asylum process can be made more efficient and effective. The study team has now completed its work and we are considering its findings very carefully across Government. We shall be announcing our conclusions on the way ahead at the appropriate time.
§ Mr. ClappisonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, pursuant to his answer of 28 April 1998,Official Report, column 96, when he expects the casework programme system to be used to deal with asylum casework; and on what date it was expected to be available under the plans of the previous Government. [40632]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienI refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Sheffield, Hallam (Mr. Allan) on 22 January 1998,Official Report, column 633. The dates to which I referred in that reply are being determined. I shall write to the hon. Member when a timetable has been agreed. Under the original proposal, the use of the system on asylum casework would have started before 30 April, but that date has proved unrealistic.