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Written question asked by Lord Quirk (Crossbench) on Monday, 2 November 2015, in the House of Lords. It was due for an answer on Monday, 16 November 2015. It was answered by Lord Bates (Conservative) on Tuesday, 17 November 2015 on behalf of the Home Office.


Forensic Science: Languages

Question

To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether, and if so in what specific ways, they are sponsoring or encouraging research in forensic linguistics with a view to extending its use in the criminal justice system and the immigration services.

Answer

A forensic linguistic process, known as “language analysis”, has been used by the Home Office for immigration purposes for over ten years. The capability is provided by two private suppliers, who were contracted following a competitive tender in 2014.

Language analysis is used to assist in identifying an individual’s true place of origin where it is in doubt, and to deter individuals from making fraudulent asylum claims based on false claims of origin for actual or perceived benefit. It is just one of the tools employed to help confirm an individual’s nationality.


Secondary information

Type
Written question
Reference
HL3221
Session
2015-16
Related items
Forensic Science: Languages
Monday, 21 December 2015
Written questions
House of Lords
Subjects
Criminal proceedings Forensic science Immigration Languages Research
Link
View this Written question on www.parliament.uk