HC Deb 06 June 1985 vol 80 c215W
Mr. Marlow

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many Tamils have sought leave to enter the United Kingdom (a) in 1983, (b) in 1984 and (c) in each month to date, including May in 1985;

(2) what proportion of Tamils seeking leave to enter the United Kingdom in each month of 1985 and for each of 1983 and 1984 are (a) males and (b) females.

Mr. Waddington

I regret that the relevant statistics are not routinely compiled by ethnic origin. The only information readily available is that in May 1985 about 1,330 Sri Lankan Tamils arrived in the United Kingdom and sought asylum on arrival.

Mr. Corbyn

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many Tamils have arrived in the United Kingdom seeking asylum since 20 April; how many of these cases have been considered and with what results; and how many of those Tamils originally refused entry have been permitted to remain as a result of further representations;

(2) how many Tamils since 20 May have been removed from the United Kingdom directly to Colombo.

Mr. Waddington

Figures are readily available only for the month of May. During that period some 1,330 Sri Lankan Tamils arrived in the United Kingdom and sought asylum. So far decisions have been taken in respect of about 160, of whom 24 have been granted leave to enter and the remainder have been refused. Representations in respect of some of these are at present under consideration. So far one Tamil has been removed directly to Colombo.

Mr. Corbyn

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will elaborate on the test for severe hardship for Tamil asylum-seekers as laid down in his answer of 20 May, Official Report, column 273.

Event Arrests Prosecutions Convictions
31 December/ 1 January 1985
New Years Eve celebrations (Trafalgar Square) 65 14 10
(51 cautioned) (4 cases outstanding)
24 February 1985
'Support the Miners'March and Rally (Hyde Park to Trafalgar Square) 121 87 62
(34 dealt with by (16 cases
caution or immediate outstanding)
release)
1 May 1985
May Day Rally (Jubilee Gardens) None None None