HL Deb 11 July 2001 vol 626 cc75-6WA
Lord Avebury

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many files relating to asylum applications which had been refused are awaiting transfer to the appellate authorities. [HL109]

The Minister of State, Home Office (Lord Rooker)

Provisional data indicate that on 30 May 2001 there were approximately 33,000 appeals lodged with IND which had not yet been sent to the Immigration Appellate Authority.

For every appeal lodged, IND has to review the grounds advanced and may as a consequence need to reconsider all the circumstances of the case. Appeals are not forwarded to the IAA until this consideration has been completed and appeal papers have been prepared.