HC Deb 26 October 1999 vol 336 c803W
Mr. Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the UK's participation within NATO in respect of the provision of intelligence information regarding refugees. [95569]

Mr. Vaz

It is longstanding Government practice not to comment on intelligence matters.

Mr. Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what financial responsibility the UK has accepted in respect of refugees from the former Yugoslavia. [95570]

Mrs. Roche

I have been asked to reply.

Currently, refugees who arrive in the United Kingdom and claim asylum are entitled to welfare benefits if they claim asylum at the port of entry, or help under the National Assistance Act 1948 or the Children Act 1989 if they make their claim after they have entered the country.