To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reasons luncheon vouchers are used to support asylum seekers on Section 4 support; and if she will make a statement. (230824)

Failed asylum seekers who are eligible for support to avoid destitution under section 4 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 are provided with accommodation and vouchers for food and other basic essential items. The Act prohibits the provision of cash subsistence. Luncheon vouchers are just one of the forms of voucher provided.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many legacy asylum cases she expects to have been determined by 31 December 2008. (231580)

Lin Homer updates the Home Affairs Select Committee on the progress of concluding legacy cases every six months, with the next update due around the end of 2008. The Case Resolution Directorate has concluded over 100,000 cases and remains on track to complete this work by summer 2011. Every case is decided on its own merits.