Written question asked by Lord Bruce of Bennachie (Liberal Democrat) on Thursday, 27 July 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 23 October 2000. It was answered by Barbara Roche (Labour) on Monday, 23 October 2000 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, what provision he has made to meet the needs of asylum seekers who have been victims of torture before arriving in the UK.

Answer: Mr. Malcolm Bruce: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what provision he has made to meet the needs of asylum seekers who have been victims of torture before arriving in the UK. [133823] Mrs. Roche: All asylum seekers and their dependants are entitled to register with a doctor to receive medical treatment. Doctors can refer asylum seekers who have, or who it is believed may have, been tortured to specialist medical practitioners to enable them to receive appropriate treatment. The National Asylum Support Service (NASS) may consider meeting the travel costs of asylum seekers supported by it who need to travel to the Medical Foundation for an initial assessment in connection with their application for asylum. NASS will also consider meeting the travel costs of an asylum seeker it is supporting in dispersed accommodation and who needs to travel to the Medical Foundation for specialist treatment following referral by their General Practitioner.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 133823; 355 c44W
Session: 1999-00
Subjects: Asylum Costs Medical examinations Medical treatments Travel Refugees Torture Freedom from Torture
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk