§ Lord Lester of Herne Hillasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they will ensure that either Home Office presenting officers or counsel representing the Home Office participate in the hearing of asylum appeals by adjudicators; if not, why not. [HL2051]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Filkin)It is our intention that the Home Office should be represented in all asylum appeals. Eighty-five new Home Office presenting officers have been appointed since the start of 2003 and plans are in hand to increase the number further in line with the expansion in the capacity of the Immigration Appellate Authority.