HC Deb 14 January 2003 vol 397 cc593-4W
Ms Buck

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what assessment he has made of the impact upon refugee integration of the reduced entitlement to guidance and language training due to the withdrawal of the work concession for asylum-seekers who do not have an initial decision after six months; [R] [89782]

(2) what assessment he has made of the impact of the withdrawal of the work concession for asylum-seekers who will eventually receive permission to remain in the UK upon their ability to develop their English language and other skills. [R] [89780]

Beverley Hughes

By the time the concession was abolished about 80 per cent. of new applications were receiving an initial decision within the initial six months. The number of new asylum seekers able to benefit from the concession was therefore falling and will continue to do so. Asylum seekers who had permission to work or who had sought permission to do so before the concession was abolished continue to be able to work and receive work based training.

Asylum seekers remain eligible to attend a range of courses to assist in the development of English for speaker of other languages (ESOL) and other basic skills in the short period before a decision is taken on their claim.