§ Mr. ChurchillTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have(a) applied for and (b) been granted a resettlement grant to meet their repatriation costs to their country of origin; what has been the average cost of such grants; and how many were to non-United Kingdom citizens. [13735]
§ Mr. KirkhopeResettlement grants are not available under the voluntary repatriation scheme run by the International Social Service of the United Kingdom on behalf of the Home Office. The scheme provides limited financial assistance towards travel and baggage costs. A total of 7,390 applications have been received under the scheme between 1972 and 1995 inclusive, and 2,545 individuals have been assisted financially during that period. The average cost per individual assisted in 1994–95 was £1,200. British citizens are not eligible for assistance.