Written question asked by Neil Gerrard (Labour) on Wednesday, 20 May 1998, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 2 June 1998. It was answered by Mike O'Brien (Labour) on Tuesday, 2 June 1998 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what instructions he has issued to the Immigration Service regarding arrangements for asylum seekers to be represented at interviews held at ports. - Inc ref to Schedule 2 to the Immigration Act 1971.

Answer: Mr. Gerrard: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what instructions he has issued to the Immigration Service regarding arrangements for asylum seekers to be represented at interviews held at ports. [43464] Mr. Mike O'Brien: Current and longstanding instructions to the Immigration Service about representation at interviews of passengers at ports have not altered significantly in recent times. All passenger interviews, including those of asylum seekers, are conducted under Schedule 2 to the Immigration Act 1971. It is not a mandatory requirement for a representative to be present at any interview. However, at the discretion of the immigration officer, representatives are usually admitted to interviews once their bona fides have been established and provided that no unreasonable delay is involved. On arrival in the United Kingdom, all port asylum seekers are given written information about access to legal advice including details of the Refugee Legal Centre and The Immigration Advisory Service.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 43464; 313 c167W
Session: 1997-98
Subjects: Asylum Interviews Legal representation Ports Refugees Immigration Service Ports Directorate Immigration Advisory Service Refugee Legal Centre