NATIONAL ASYLUM SUPPORT SERVICE VOUCHER SYSTEM

Early day motion 1796, tabled 13 March 2006 by Diane Abbott (Labour). Signed by 90 members.

That this House notes that the National Asylum Support Service voucher system for asylum claimants was scrapped in 2001 after a campaign by trade unions, non-governmental organisations and refugee organisations; believes that vouchers are costly, fail to meet asylum seekers' needs, stigmatise this most vulnerable group and leave them open to hostility and abuse; further believes that vouchers should not be used as a method of support for asylum seekers or failed asylum seekers at any stage of the process; and calls on the Government to provide for those on section 4 support in cash rather than vouchers.

Signatures by party: Labour 42, Liberal Democrat 40, Conservative 4, Plaid Cymru 2, Respect 1, Social Democratic and Labour Party 1.