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Home Office

Answer

Mr. Cohen: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has for an improved level of telephone access for asylum seekers after the Immigration Service takes over responsibility for paying their benefit and responding to inquiries; and if he will make a statement. [93985] Mrs. Roche: The Home Office will be responsible for providing support to asylum seekers under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Bill (when enacted and implemented). Asylum seekers and their dependants who apply to the Asylum Support Directorate within the Immigration and Nationality Directorate will, under the new arrangements, contact staff within the new Directorate for information and inquiries about support. We propose to have a single inquiry number for the new Asylum Support Directorate. The service provided will incorporate assisted call routing facilities to minimise the likelihood of calls being re-routed. The number will be publicised and known to agencies with whom potential applicants may have contact prior to making a support application. Callers requiring application forms will be asked to leave mailing details. Callers who need to speak directly with the caseworker responsible for their support will be able to do so.

Secondary information

Type

Written question

Reference

93985; 336 c617-8W

Session

1998-99

Subjects

Asylum Immigration Social security benefits Refugees Telephone services National Asylum Support Directorate