National Asylum Support Service

Part of the debate – in the House of Lords at 2:30 pm on 15 September 2003.

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Photo of Lord Bassam of Brighton Lord Bassam of Brighton Government Whip, Government Whip 2:30, 15 September 2003

My Lords, we accept that a number of criticisms were made of NASS. Therefore, the review was established to ensure that Ministers and senior Home Office officials would receive an independent assessment of the way that NASS was operating. The Home Office and its Ministers have been delighted at the nature of the independent report. Now, we require a period to work through the findings of that report and to put into action, and deliver on, its key and important findings. That is what we want. We want NASS to be effective, as I am sure does the noble Lord. The recommendations in the internal report have been valuable in ensuring that NASS has a greater, better and clearer view of its sense of direction and purpose.