Clause 7 - Failed asylum seekers: withdrawal of support
Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc.) Bill
9:10 am
Mr Mark Oaten (Winchester, Liberal Democrat)
At Tuesday's sitting, the Minister helpfully explained the process behind a decision to remove benefits, and the length of time taken to inform families of such a decision. Although I disagree on the principle behind clause 7, the Minister reassured me that the Government are giving a lot of thought to ensuring that safeguards are in place and that individuals will have plenty of time to be informed of the consequences of their decision.
These are probing amendments designed to ascertain the reasoning for allowing only 14 days from the notification of removal of a benefit to the termination of that support. It would be particularly helpful if the Minister could answer some questions about that, and clarify whether 14 days is the standard period allowed from notification to termination. The period of 14 days would apply to the proposed
''fifth class of ineligible person'',
but is it different for people in the other classes set out in the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002?
The Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 includes the provision that support for failed asylum seekers must be terminated 21 days after receipt of the final decision on the asylum claim. Why is the period 14 days in this Bill? Given that the issue is so sensitive, it is odd that a period of 14 days has been used. I hope that the Minister will explain and clarify why this case is different.
Amendment No. 90 is designed to obtain clarification from the Minister about our concerns that clause 7 allows the Secretary of State to vary the period of 14 days. Would that be a variation below 14 days, or is the intention to allow more than 14 days? We would all hope that the intention is to allow more than 14 days in certain circumstances, and I hope that the Minister will clarify that. If it is not the intention to allow fewer than 14 days, that should be in the Bill. I hope that she will help with those simple questions.