Oral Answers to Questions Debate

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Department: Scotland Office

Oral Answers to Questions

Jo Swinson Excerpts
Wednesday 1st December 2010

(13 years, 11 months ago)

Commons Chamber
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Jo Swinson Portrait Jo Swinson (East Dunbartonshire) (LD)
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I welcome the Minister’s acceptance that the correspondence could have been handled better on the cancellation of the Glasgow contract, because as a result of letters sent out by UKBA, vulnerable people, including many families, were left in a state of extreme anxiety about where they would be living. Can he reassure us that lessons will be learned from this, so that such mistakes are not repeated in future?

David Mundell Portrait David Mundell
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Indeed, I can give the hon. Lady that assurance. As soon as these issues came to light, the Secretary of State for Scotland was in contact with the Immigration Minister. There is a recognition that the correspondence was inappropriate, and a number of measures have been taken. For example, everyone affected will have at least 14 days’ notice if they have to move. Progress has been made. The initial letter was regrettable, but the situation will be better in future.