Written question asked by Humfrey Malins (Conservative) on Tuesday, 7 June 2005, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 9 June 2005. It was answered by Tony McNulty (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 June 2005 on behalf of the Home Office.

Asylum Seekers

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he plans to meet the French Government to discuss the setting up in France of offices where applicants for asylum in the UK could make an application to British officials; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary, has no plans to meet with the French Government to discuss the setting up in France of offices where applicants for asylum in the UK could make an application to British officials. It is accepted internationally that asylum seekers should seek asylum in the first safe country they reach. Where juxtaposed controls are in operation, it is clearly established in all instances that the host State should remain responsible for those claiming asylum at such controls, so that an asylum application made at the UK controls in France will be handled by the French authorities and vice versa.

Secondary information