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LORD CHANCELLOR'S DEPARTMENT
Asylum and Immigration
Mr. Lidington: To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department what recent research he has commissioned into the asylum and immigration processes undertaken by his Department; what work has been done in respect of such research by outside consultants; what conclusions such research has reached; and if he will make a statement. [114205]
Jane Kennedy: No research on asylum and immigration procedures has been commissioned or published, and no work has been done in respect of research by outside consultants.
Compensation Payment Defaulters
Mr. Bob Russell:
To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department if he will ensure that the courts have the right of access to names and addresses held by other Government Departments and agencies in order that those who default on compensation payments can be traced. [113729]
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Jane Kennedy:
Section 94 of the Access to Justice Act 1999 will allow the Lord Chancellor to designate by order any relevant public authority from which courts may request this information. Before such an order can be made, administrative arrangements need to be in place. The Benefits Agency is the public authority which is most likely to hold the names and addresses of defaulters so my officials have already commenced discussions with colleagues at the Department of Social Security with a view to establishing a workable and effective system as soon as possible. We will then consider which other public authorities would be most likely to be able to help.
Mr. Bob Russell:
To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department how many safe cells were installed in magistrates courts in the last year for which figures are available; how many will be installed in the coming financial year; and if he will make a statement. [113730]
Jane Kennedy:
No cells to the HM Prison Service improved standard cell design were installed in magistrates courts in 1999-2000 or are planned to be installed in 2000-01.
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