§ Ms Oona KingTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum applicants whose cases fall to be considered under concessions announced in the White Paper on Asylum and Immigration, published in 1998, have not received a decision on their case. [128763]
§ Mrs. RocheAs at 30 June, outstanding cases are 1,250 (plus 50 pre-1993 cases).
§ Ms Oona KingTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if those asylum applicants whose cases fall to be considered under concessions announced in the White Paper on Asylum and Immigration, published in 1998, will be notified of a decision by the end of July. [128762]
§ Mrs. RocheThe Integrated Casework Directorate aims to clear such cases by the end of July, subject to timely receipt of requested information and the case being clearly identified as falling for consideration under the White Paper criteria. Any cases which come to light beyond that date will be given priority criteria in Liverpool.
§ Ms Oona KingTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reason the remaining cases held in Croydon of asylum applicants whose claim falls to be considered under the concession announced in the White Paper, have been transferred to the Asylum Arrears Group at the Nationality Directorate in Liverpool; and what effect this has had on the time taken to make decisions on those claims. [128730]
§ Mrs. RocheSharing the load of such cases among a greater number of caseworkers was seen as the best means of ensuring prompt resolution. There was also an operational requirement to provide appropriate work for a growing casework unit in Liverpool.