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Part of Asylum and Immigration (Treatment of Claimants, etc.) Bill – in a Public Bill Committee at 6:30 pm on 20 January 2004.

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Photo of Mark Oaten Mark Oaten Liberal Democrat, Winchester 6:30, 20 January 2004

Whether it was one person or 2,000 people, the principle is still worth fighting for.

I am grateful that the Minister has at least acknowledged some of our concerns about the president's power. He seems prepared to consider clarifying the president's relations with higher courts and ensuring that he will be bound by judgments made on appeal. We look forward to seeing what the Minister proposes, but I am glad that there has been some progress.

I sense that the Government's intention to speed up the process will backfire. My reading of some of our discussions is that new techniques will be deployed by those who want to delay the process. It seems to me that the Home Secretary will be inundated with requests—and we, as Members of Parliament, will provide those people with access to the Home Secretary. Indeed, the Minister acknowledged that it will be possible for the Home Secretary to intervene at various stages, and individuals will take the opportunity to do so. Towards the end of the debate, it was suggested that the ability to take a case speedily to one of the European Courts could be used as a tool for delay.

The Government's intention of trying to reduce delays seems to have given those who want to abuse the system new ways to delay it. The best solution to the problem would be to get the administrative side in place first, rather than meddling with some of the fundamental principles of justice, as the Government are doing. With that in mind, I shall press the amendment to a Division.

Question put, That the amendment be made:—

The Committee divided: Ayes 5, Noes 12.