Written question asked by Ernie Ross (Labour) on Monday, 5 November 2001, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 19 November 2001. It was answered by Angela Eagle (Labour) on Monday, 19 November 2001 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department, What mechanisms are in place to ensure that suspected terrorists are not able to claim asylum. (Failed OPQ).

Answer: Mr. Love: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what mechanisms are in place to prevent suspected terrorists from claiming asylum. [13369] Mr. Ross: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what mechanisms are in place to ensure that suspected terrorists are not able to claim asylum. [13377] Angela Eagle: Details of all asylum applicants are checked against the immigration service warnings index. Asylum seekers are also fingerprinted and photographed when an application for asylum is made, with further checks made with the police and Security Service if any doubts or question marks arise in the initial interview. The 1951 UN Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees also specifically precludes certain individuals from benefiting from its provisions, and allows refugees to be returned to their original country in certain circumstances. Measures in the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Bill, the Second Reading of which takes place today, deals specifically with this point.

Secondary information