Clause 16 - Immigration Services Commissioner: power of entry
Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc.) Bill
3:00 pm
Mr Mark Oaten (Winchester, Liberal Democrat)
The hon. and learned Gentleman is right to pull me up on my layman's use of language, but I am arguing about the Government's phraseology on the ability to obtain a warrant to investigate whether an unqualified person is giving advice.
My argument on confidentiality remains the same for two reasons. First, the asylum seeker has given information on the basis that there is a client relationship and an element of trust. Secondly, other individuals on the premises may be operating legally and their information should be protected. An absolute assurance is needed that when investigations take place, the search and the information revealed is handled sensitively to protect the source of the information—the asylum seeker. Will the Minister give some assurances on how the Government plan to deal with the information without thwarting the intention of the clause, which we support?