§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department in the review of the voucher support system being conducted by the Minister of State, the hon. Member for Hornsey and Wood Green (Mrs. Roche), what consideration is being given(a) to the Immigration and Nationality Directorate's aim of making the UK a less attractive destination for economic migrants by limiting the benefits available to them and making the conditions attached to such benefits more restrictive; and (b) the aim of making minimal cash payments to asylum seekers, as stated in the IND Business Plan for 2000–01; what plans he has to amend these aims; and if he will make a statement. [142790]
§ Mrs. Roche[holding answer 14 December 2000]: The review I am conducting is of the operation of the voucher scheme for destitute asylum seekers, looking at the evidence for the various criticisms that have been levelled at the scheme. Our asylum policy it aimed at ensuring that we fully discharge our international commitments to genuine asylum seekers, while at the same time minimising the attractiveness of the United Kingdom for those whose applications for asylum are unfounded. In determining what action to take Ls a result of the vouchers' review, we shall have regard to this aim. We have no plans to change the Immigration and Nationality Directorate's Business Plan at this stage.