HC Deb 14 January 2003 vol 397 cc586-7W
Ms Buck

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what consultation was carried out with voluntary organisations in receipt of funding for the training and education of asylum seekers before the decision was made to end the concession enabling asylum seekers to work if no decision had been made on their case after six months. [R] [89778]

Beverley Hughes

Wherever possible we consult publicly on proposed changes in policy. But on this occasion the need to act quickly meant that there was no time for public consultation.

Ms Buck

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the European Council of Ministers recommendation concerning minimum standards for the reception conditions of asylum-seekers. [R] [89783]

Beverley Hughes

The UK will participate in the Directive on Reception Conditions, which forms part of the first stage of a Common European Asylum System, which the council committed to in the Treaty of Amsterdam 1997. The Reception Conditions Directive is expected to be adopted shortly.

Ms Buck

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if asylum seekers who do not have a decision after one year will be allowed access to the labour market, as recommended by the Council of Ministers report on minimum standards for the reception of asylum seekers. [R] [89784]

Beverley Hughes

In accordance with the Directive of Minimum Reception Conditions for asylum seekers, which is expected to enter into force in 2005, access to the labour market will be granted to any applicant who has not received an initial decision within 12 months.

However, given that around 80 per cent. of initial asylum decisions are made well within half this time, this provision is unlikely to have any practical significance.

Mrs. Ellman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he has received the report on the Landmark Co. in Liverpool concerning housing and support services for asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement. [90627]

Beverley Hughes

I have received the report into the Inquiry into Landmark. I am currently considering the contents of the report.