§ Mr. FlynnTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department to what extent, under the proposed new arrangements for support of asylum seekers, it will be possible for voluntary or charitable bodies to supplement in cash or in kind the support provided from public funds without a corresponding reduction in that support. [99941]
§ Mrs. RocheUnder the new Asylum Support Arrangements, it is intended that the National Asylum Support Service may take into account support from voluntary and charitable organisations when assessing the amount of support it will provide. This will not apply to emergency assistance provided while an application for support is being considered. This proposal is included in a consultation document which my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary announced in a reply given to my hon. Friend the Member for Stockton, South (Ms Taylor) on 25 November 1999,Official report, column 176W. The closing date for comments on these proposals is 14 January 2000 and we shall finalise our policy after that date.