§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps are being taken to accelerate the asylum application process; and what steps he has taken to ensure that the asylum application process is clearly understood by applicants. [53142]
§ Angela Eagle[holding answer 1 May 2002]: The measures set out in the White Paper "Secure Borders, Safe Haven" published in February 2002, and in the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Bill are designed to accelerate the asylum process. The introduction of a managed system of induction, accommodation, reporting and removal centres will secure a seamless asylum process and maintain contact with applicants. The appeals system will be streamlined to minimise delay and cut down barriers to removal.
Asylum seekers will attend an induction centre for detailed briefing by the voluntary sector and the Home Office. A pilot induction centre opened in Dover in January 2002.