Official Report 122KB pdf
During our pre-meeting issues were raised regarding this instrument. Would anyone like to comment on the difficulties that we have noted?
First, there is no explanatory memorandum accompanying the instrument. Secondly, there is some uncertainty about the definition of "family" in the instrument. We would like to ask the Executive about the meaning of the reference to part IV of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 that is contained in regulation 4(n) as inserted by regulation 3 of this instrument. It seems rather odd to me that we should give asylum seekers vouchers for some things but money to travel to hospital. I am not saying that they should not get money for that purpose—rather that the Executive needs to sort out the other bit. That has nothing to do with this committee, but I take every opportunity to mention it.
It is also curious that there appears to be a definition of "family" in the principal regulations. One wonders whether that includes a reference to marriage. If so, it could be helpful to the Executive in other areas.
He is doing what I do.
We can have a referendum on it.