Immigration Advisory Service: Funding

HL Deb 05 March 2001 vol 623 c5WA

Lord Dholakia

asked Her Majesty's Government:

When they expect to reach a decision about funding of the Immigration Advisory Service for the financial year commencing April 2001; and [HL834]

What growth they expect in Section 81 funding of the Immigration Advisory Service for next year and thereafter. [HL835]

Lord Bassam of Brighton

The Government recognise the importance to the Immigration Advisory Service of an early decision on payment of grant-in-aid under Section 81 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 in order for them to plan for a service which can respond to the demands arising from IND's increasing output and other business pressures. Subject to other resourcing needs, and taking account of IAS' other income, the Home Office will play its part in seeking to ensure. as quickly as possible in consultation with IAS, that adequate funding is provided for IAS.

Grant-in-aid under Section 81 of the Act is not the IAS' only source of funding.