§ Sir Norman FowlerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many applications for political asylum have been made to date in 1998; how many were made in the same period in 1997; and if he will make a statement. [64326]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe numbers of applications for asylum from January to October 1998 was 36,625 as compared to 27,035 in the same period in 1997. The rate of applications has varied widely over recent years.
There was a temporary fall in the number of asylum seekers after the Asylum and Immigration Appeals Act 1993 and numbers then peaked again in 1995. It may be that we are seeing a similar pattern after the Asylum and Immigration Act.
The current legislative base is inadequate and the asylum system which this Government inherited has been described as shambolic. We set out our proposals for a firmer, faster and fairer system in our White Paper in July. Legislation will be forthcoming shortly to implement these proposals.
§ Sir Norman FowlerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what steps he has taken to ensure that all those applicants for political asylum given indefinite leave to remain in this country are genuine political refugees; and if he will make a statement; [64324]
(2) in what circumstances applicants for political asylum who are judged not to be genuine may be given indefinite leave to remain in the country; and if he will make a statement. [64323]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienA person who applies for asylum may, even if unsuccessful, qualify for leave to enter or remain on other grounds either under the Immigration Rules or an exceptional compelling or compassionate
Applications1 received for asylum in the United Kingdom, excluding dependants, and initial decisions on applications, August to October 1995, 1996 1997 and 1998 for nationals of the former Yugoslavia Applications Total decisions Grants of asylum Grants of ELR Decisions2 Total refusals August to October 1995 485 355 80 55 215 August to October 1996 270 590 275 125 190 August to October 19973 725 715 430 150 140 August to October 19983 3,065 385 160 5 220 1 Figures rounded to the nearest 5 2 Decisions may not relate to applications lodged in the same period 3 Provisional figures
§ Sir Peter EmeryTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many persons were granted political asylum in the years(a) 1970 to 1979, (b) 1980 to 1989 and (c) 1990 to date. [64235]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienIn the period January 1990 to October 1998, a total of 17,780 persons were recognised as refugees and granted asylum in the United Kingdom under the criteria set out in the 1951 United National Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, and the 1967 Protocol relating to the Status of Refugees. This figure excludes dependants and subsequent decisions following appeal or further representations.
732Wbasis, and Secretaries of State in successive Governments have dealt with cases accordingly. For example, in the first quarter of 1993, 57 per cent. of asylum applicants whose cases were decided were not granted asylum but were granted leave to enter or remain on exceptional grounds with an avenue to settlement in due course.
§ Dr. CableTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what standards he has specified for the accommodation of asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement. [63934]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe Home Office is not currently responsible for accommodating asylum seekers and, therefore, has made no specification for their accommodation. Asylum seekers who are able to support themselves or those who qualify for income support and housing benefit can choose their own accommodation. Others may qualify for support provided by local authority social services departments under the terms of the National Assistance Act 1948 or the Children Act 1989.
The White Paper "Fairer, faster and firmer—a modern approach to immigration and asylum" (Cm 4018) set out proposals for a new asylum seekers support scheme. This scheme (which will require statutory underpinning), will be included in the forthcoming Immigration and Asylum Bill. It is not expected to become operational until April 2000. A project team has been set up to take forward the proposals. They will be developing specifications for the support arrangements, including accommodation, but no firm proposals have yet been developed.
§ Mr. HancockTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many citizens of the former Yugoslavia have sought political asylum in the UK in the last three months; how many applications have been accepted; and what were the equivalent figures for each of the last three years. [64257]
§ Mr. Mike O'BrienThe information requested is given in the table.
Figures on the numbers of persons granted asylum in the United Kingdom are only separately identifiable from 1984 onward. Between January 1984 and December 1989, 4,480 persons were granted asylum in the United Kingdom.
I regret that corresponding data for 1970 to 1983 are not available. However, data on recognised refugees accepted for settlement in 1974 to 1987 after four years residence in the United Kingdom show 2,600 such persons in 1974 to 1983 and 3,000 in 1984 to 1987.