HC Deb 14 January 1999 vol 323 cc234-5W
Mr. Gorrie

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if he will ensure that, in making arrangements for dealing with asylum seekers, his Department holds discussions with organisations expert in the provision of(a) social welfare, (b) housing and (c) legal advice to (i) Vietnamese boat people and (ii) Bosnian refugees. [65254]

Mr. Dewar

The new arrangements for dealing with asylum seekers will apply to the United Kingdom so that they are treated equally across to whole country. Responsibility for these matters rests with the Home Office which is consulting extensively about the arrangements for the future, including with those organisations expert in the areas mentioned.

Mr. Gorrie

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland if, in the implementation of the proposals in the Asylum Seekers White Paper, he will ensure the retention of the partnership arrangements between the Scottish Office, COSLA and local authorities for supporting asylum-seekers while their applications are being considered. [65116]

Mr. Dewar

The new asylum support system proposed in the White Paper will be administered by an Asylum Support Directorate in the Immigration and Nationality Directorate in the Home Office. My Department and the Home Office are currently considering what arrangements should apply when the asylum seekers are placed in Scotland.

Mr. Gorrie

To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland what discussions he has had with the Home Office regarding the proposals in the White Paper on Asylum Seekers to disperse asylum seekers outside London. [65117]

Mr. Dewar

I was fully involved in collective consideration of the White Paper, as were other ministerial colleagues. My officials are in regular contact with officials in the Home Office as the details of the support scheme—including arrangements for dispersal of asylum seekers—are developed.