Passports

Debate between Baroness Finlay of Llandaff and Lord Bates

Thursday 11th December 2014 Lords Chamber

[Lord Bates]

There was a failure. That is why the Home Secretary intervened to annul agency status and to bring the problem into the Home Office to get a grip on it. That is why the delay in the process time for applications—which had sunk as low as 20%, which is appalling and for which we apologise—is now above 50% and heading towards 60% to 70%. That is as a result of the actions that have been taken and the grip that the Home Secretary has on the situation.

[Baroness Finlay of Llandaff (CB)]

Can the Minister outline what powers an ambassador or consulate has in the event of an urgent need to repatriate a family with a newborn baby, because of either illness or tragedy?

[Lord Bates]

Where there are exceptional cases then it is possible to apply for emergency travel documentation. Of course, such a matter is dealt with through the local embassy and the local consulate.

Asylum Seekers: Mental Health

Debate between Baroness Finlay of Llandaff and Lord Bates

Monday 10th November 2014 Lords Chamber

[Lord Bates]

Absolutely; I am happy to clarify that. I was talking about people who had a legal right to seek employment in this country. They should be protected and be able to apply for jobs in the first instance.

[Baroness Finlay of Llandaff (CB)]

The Government have to date not allowed retired NHS doctors who volunteer to work with asylum seekers to set against tax the cost of their General Medical Council and defence union payments. Will the Government undertake to look at this again? These doctors are acting as volunteers to meet the health needs of this group but are incurring huge expense in so doing.

[Lord Bates]

I am very happy to look at this but doctors are in one of the shortage occupations and would be eligible to apply for work after the 12-month period.