Written question asked by Baroness Cumberlege (Conservative), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Baroness Scotland of Asthal (Labour) on Monday, 25 June 2007.

Immigration: Breastfeeding Women

Question: asked Her Majesty's Government:What advice they have given to local authorities about preventing destitution and homelessness of failed asylum-seeking mothers with small children and about the separation of such a mother from a breastfeeding infant.

Answer: The Border and Immigration Agency has not issued specific guidance to local authorities about preventing destitution and homelessness of failed asylum-seeking mothers with small children and about the separation of such a mother from a breastfeeding infant. However, the Border and Immigration Agency has issued guidance to local authorities to assist them when accessing migrants’ eligibility for local authority services, including help with accommodation. Local authorities are required to carry out an assessment of a person’s need to establish whether they have a need for support and, where relevant, a human rights assessment to establish whether there is an obligation to provide support to prevent a breach of such a person’s human rights.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 4178; 693 c104WA
Session: 2006-07
Subjects: Asylum Breastfeeding Babies Housing Finance Local government Mothers
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk