§ Lord Alton of Liverpoolasked Her Majesty's Government:
What is their response to the joint evidence of the British Medical Association and the Medical Foundation for the Care of Victims of Torture in relation to the operation of the voucher scheme and its effect on asylum seekers. [HL992]
§ The Minister of State, Home Office (Lord Rooker)I read with interest the report from the BMA and medical foundation. As my right honourable friend the Home Secretary has made clear, the voucher scheme is to be abolished and replaced with a less socially divisive scheme by early autumn 2002. In the new accommodation centres which we are trialling, asylum seekers will have access to board and lodging and on-site medical services.