HL Deb 11 November 2003 vol 654 cc177-8WA
Earl Russell

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether, before introducing any further legislation on asylum, they will consult the Attorney General on its likely potential cost to the Government's litigation budget. [HL4924]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

My right honourable friend the Home Secretary has made it clear that we seek to tackle two remaining problems in the asylum system: applicants who lodge groundless appeals to delay removal and the problem of asylum seekers who deliberately destroy or dispose of their documents to make unfounded claims. On 27 October, my honourable friend the Minister of State for Citizenship, Immigration and Counter-Terrorism announced specific new legislative proposals for asylum reform, including measures to tackle these two problems. We believe that these reforms should be in place as a matter of urgency and will introduce legislation to enact the measures as soon as parliamentary time allows. We consult the Attorney-General and other Ministers as necessary on all aspects of any future legislation including cost implications.