§ Mr. RiddickTo ask the Secretary of State for Social Security how many(a) refugees and (b) of those seeking refugee status are in receipt of one or more social security benefits; and what is the cost of (a) and (b). [28882]
§ Mr. Roger EvansIn May 1994, there was 42,140 asylum seekers in receipt of income support. The estimated annual cost of providing income support and housing benefit is £210 million. Information about asylum seekers receiving other social security benefits is not collected. Information is not available in respect of refugees who are not separately identified within the social security scheme.