§ The Earl of Sandwichasked Her Majesty's Government:
When they expect to resettle the first 500 United Nations-approved refugees under the United Kingdom Gateway Protection Programme; whether this programme has been delayed owing to administrative problems or cost; and whether it will be given priority. [HL3992]
§ Baroness Scotland of AsthalThe first refugees to be resettled in Britain under the Gateway Protection Programme arrived from Africa in March 2004. So far a total of 69 have arrived and settled in Sheffield. Further groups will be received and located in a number of towns and cities in the course of the coming months, but it is not yet possible to give the precise numbers involved. Earlier delays to the programme arose as a result of administrative problems both in Britain and in Africa; these have now been settled for the most part. The Government remain committed to the Gateway Programme.