Written question asked by David Lidington (Conservative) on Monday, 11 December 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Thursday, 14 December 2000. It was answered by Mike O'Brien (Labour) on Thursday, 14 December 2000 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, if it is his policy that the UK should be made a less attractive destination for economic migrants; and if he will make a statement.

Answer: Mr. Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if it is his policy that the UK should be made a less attractive destination for economic migrants; and if he will make a statement. [142788] Mr. Mike O'Brien: Our policy is to reduce misuse of the asylum system by people who are not refugees. The changes we have made to that system are designed to minimise its attractions to unfounded applicants while ensuring that those with genuine claims are not left destitute. At the same time there is a developing debate in the United Kingdom and elsewhere flowing from an analysis of the potential economic and social benefits of migration. The Immigration Rules already set out circumstances in which people may come here for work and other purposes. The United Kingdom is quite rightly an attractive destination for legitimate migrants, who make a strong contribution to our economy and our society. But this is a wholly separate issue from our unwavering determination to restore the integrity of the asylum system.

Secondary information