§ 9. Mr. Peter L. Pike (Burnley)If he will make a statement on the problems being experienced with housing asylum seekers in the areas to which they are being dispersed. [126127]
§ The Minister of State, Home Office (Mrs. Barbara Roche)The arrangements for dispersing asylum seekers are working well. As of 9 June, 2,650 asylum seekers had been dispersed to national asylum support service 653 accommodation around the country. All accommodation has to meet strict criteria and is inspected on our behalf by independent property surveyors.
§ Mr. PikeIs my hon. Friend absolutely certain that there have been all necessary discussions with local authorities and health authorities on arrangements for receiving dispersed asylum seekers? Is she absolutely certain that cowboy landlords are not charging exorbitant rents for appalling properties—despite what she has said about accommodation?
§ Mrs. RocheI know of my hon. Friend's concerns in these matters and that my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State has met his council leader and officers and, indeed, written to him. I am confident that we ensure that all the proper procedures are in place for inspection and consultation. However, I shall keep a close eye on the matter and, if a specific meeting is needed, I shall be delighted to arrange it.
§ Sir Teddy Taylor (Rochford and Southend, East)Will the Minister clarify the circular dated today which the Home Secretary sent to all Members of Parliament? It states, in paragraph 3:
A central feature of the new … arrangements involves … dispersal … from London and the South East,and continues, in paragraph 5:Our policy is to disperse away from London and Kent.Does she appreciate that that will cause confusion and depression in places like Southend-on-Sea—which recently had the pleasure of a visit by her—which are in the south-east, but not in Kent?
§ Mrs. RocheI understand entirely the hon. Gentleman's points. I was delighted to undertake my visit to his constituency and I found it useful. We are dispersing those who seek asylum away from hard-pressed areas in London and the south-east, and the areas to which people are currently being dispersed are concentrated in the north-west, the north-east and Scotland.
§ Mr. Jim Marshall (Leicester, South)May I urge my hon. Friend to keep a close eye on the workings of the national asylum support service? It recently entered into an agreement to provide accommodation on one hotel site in Leicester for 400 people, but the local authority was not informed at an early stage. Will she ensure that there is adequate dialogue between NASS and local authorities, so that they are able to provide the services needed to support those 400 new people in Leicester?
§ Mrs. RocheI understand my hon. Friend's points. I assure him that I hold regular meetings with NASS. Not only do we make sure that local authorities are informed through the regional consortium—that is why we encourage local authorities to sign contracts with us—but we notify health authorities as well.
§ Mr. Owen Paterson (North Shropshire)How many asylum seekers disappear while on dispersal?
§ Mrs. RocheThe hon. Gentleman is confused. Dispersal relates to when asylum seekers make application to NASS 654 because they are destitute. The system replaces the shambolic arrangements left by the previous Government. The hon. Gentleman is talking about temporary admission, but that is completely different.