HL Deb 08 May 2002 vol 634 cc175-6WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will require the National Asylum Support Service and local authorities to ensure that women asylum seekers who are pregnant receive free milk and vitamins, and in particular that such women who are HIV positive receive free formula milk after giving birth to avoid infecting their children by breastfeeding. [HL4068]

Lord Rooker

The welfare food scheme is under review and we will continue to monitor the level of support provided to asylum seekers and their families. Asylum seekers in receipt of support from the National Asylum Support Service (NASS) who have a baby are eligible to apply for a one-off maternity payment of £300 to meet the costs associated with the arrival of a baby. In addition the family's level of subsistence is recalculated. For each child under the age of 16 the family receives £33.50 per week.

Children of asylum seekers receive the same level of personal allowance as those of parents on jobseeker's allowance or income support. It must be remembered that the full package includes fully furnished accommodation, utility bills and council tax, the costs of which are met centrally. In addition, asylum seekers supported by NASS also qualify for free prescriptions, dental and optical treatment.

Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will ensure that women asylum seekers who are pregnant are informed about the maternity grant and are helped to claim it, if possible before giving birth. [HL4069]

Lord Rooker

The grant-aided voluntary organisations that assist asylum seekers to apply for support from the National Asylum Support Service normally also provide information to them about the availability of maternity payments for women who are due to give birth or have recently given birth. This information will also form an integral part of the briefing given to asylum seekers at the Induction Centres, which are currently being trialed. In addition, advice about the maternity payment for asylum seekers can be found on the Home Office web-site.