§ Lord Avebury asked Her Majesty's Government:
§ Whether they are reviewing grants of asylum to citizens of Zimbabwe obtained with the aid of documentation supplied by "Zimbabwe Community UK"; and what investigations they have conducted into the affairs of that organisation, including the manner in which it obtained a £5,000 lottery grant. [HL3495]
§ The Minister of State, Home Office (Baroness Scotland of Asthal): The Immigration Service was already investigating allegations about the activities of Zimbabwe Community UK before they were broadcast by the BBC. It is working with the National Criminal Intelligence Service and is assessing the material the BBC has provided. It would not be appropriate to comment further on the investigations at this stage. Any decision on whether to review grants of asylum to citizens of Zimbabwe obtained with the aid of documentation supplied by Zimbabwe Community UK will be taken in the light of these investigations.
§ The group received £5,000 from Awards for All (lottery grant). In assessing applications to this fund a series of checks are made to verify the status, position and activities of the applicant groups.
§ We take the allegations very seriously and are in the process of arranging an audit of the checking process and how this group spent the grant. We are asking for a progress report and proof of expenditure, as per the terms of the grant.