HC Deb 05 March 1987 vol 111 cc1021-2
8. Mr. Meadowcroft

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Tamils have applied for and how many have been granted, political asylum or refugee status, since 1983; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Waddington

Statistics are kept by nationality, rather than by ethnic origin. In 1983, 380 Sri Lankans applied for asylum. None was granted refugee status under the terms of the 1951 United Nations convention or asylum, but 13 were allowed leave to remain on exceptional grounds. In 1984, 548 applied, two were granted refugee status, none asylum and 31 exceptional leave to remain. In 1985, 2,032 Sri Lankans applied, 33 were granted refugee status and 907 exceptional leave to remain. Final figures for 1986 are not yet available. Provisional estimates for 1986 show that in the course of that year about 1,300 Sri Lankans have applied for asylum, five have been granted refugee status and approximately 1,600 have been granted exceptional leave to remain. Since July 1984, there has been no distinction made between the grant of "political asylum" and "refugee status".

Mr. Meadowcroft

Will the Minister reflect on his earlier answer about UKIAS and the British Refugee Council in relation to the Tamils and refugee status? Does he accept that the task of those bodies, as would be mine, whatever our individual views about the present law may be, is to determine which applications are acceptable under our present conditions? Therefore, will he accept the bona fides of UKIAS and the BRC to assist in determining that? There is no case not to refer to those bodies in due course those who wish to come. There should be some form of appeal against the capricious action of his officials.

Mr. Waddington

I do not think that my officials are ever guilty of capricious action. Our refugee unit in the Home Office has always had the confidence of UNHCR and with good reason. I see the hon. Gentleman's point and I have already made it plain that I shall discuss all these matters with UKIAS. However, I must repeat that there are bound to be occasions when, in the interests of immigration control it will be necessary to take prompt action and it will not be possible to refer to UKIAS.

Mr. Forth

Does my right hon. and learned Friend believe that the public will fully understand the high numbers that he has just given to the House of those being allowed to stay in the country under the heading of "exceptional leave to remain"? Is he satisfied that there is a proper distinction between applications being granted for refugee status and the large numbers being granted under another heading? Will he do anything about that?

Mr. Waddington

We have done something about it. The explanation for the high figures is that prior to the introduction of the visa requirement in the summer of 1985 there was a big influx of people from Sri Lanka. That was a reason for the introduction of the visa requirement. During the past 12 months or so we have had to deal with all those people who came here, particularly in May 1985, and that is the explanation of the high figures.

Mr. Ashley

After his earlier statements in the House will the Minister retain his office if any of the famous 64 Tamils is eventually allowed to stay in Britain?

Mr. Waddington

My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary has said that he will consider these cases afresh and that is precisely what he will do.