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UK Borders Bill

We have had a very comprehensive short debate on this matter. There is hardly an aspect of a very complex question that has not been covered in some way or another—and it is a question that has been causing trouble for a very long time. I am most grateful to those who have spoken in support of my amendment and even to those who have only expressed mild sympathy for it. It was particularly valuable that the guidelines of the UN Commissioner for Refugees were mentioned and the study of a large sample of cases by my noble friend Lady D'Souza. Of course, the noble Baroness, Lady Finlay, gave us the benefit of her profound medical and psychological knowledge. I am grateful also to the noble Lord for the replies that he has given to the other questions raised; we will study them with great care. I am disappointed that the Minister did not say that he would take away the amendment and consult with his colleagues about it. There are two possible approaches to this difficult matter. One approach would be through administrative means of a variety of kinds, but experience has shown over a long period of years that administrative means have not produced the results it is reasonable to expect from them. Therefore, one turns in the direction of amendments to the current Bill. I would be happy to discuss how a possible amendment could be drafted that would lead to real improvements in the field and in practice. Having said that, I am happy to beg leave to withdraw the amendment. Amendment, by leave, withdrawn. Clause 17 [Support for failed asylum-seekers]: