§ Paddy AshdownTo ask the Minister of Apiculture, Fisheries and Food what the total expenditure by his Department on flood prevention was for(a) 2000–01, (b) 2001–02, (c) 2002–03 and (d) 2003–04; and if he will make a statement. [150419]
§ Mr. MorleyFollowing increases in both of the last two spending reviews and the announcements of an additional £51 million in November and a further £6.6 million in January, the current MAFF spending plans for flood defence and coast protection are as follows:
§ Ms Glenda JacksonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) for what reasons maternity grants for asylum seekers are issued in the form of vouchers; [150964]
(2) for what reasons maternity grants in the form of vouchers for asylum seekers are deemed to expire after one month. [150965]
§ Mrs. Roche[holding answer 26 February 2001]: The Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 ends asylum seekers' entitlement to all social security benefits and is replaced by a system of support in kind, with small cash payments. The National Asylum Support Service (NASS) has on a phase basis assumed responsibility for supporting all new eligible asylum seekers and this support is provided mainly by way of vouchers. The maternity payment is provided in the same way.
The maternity payment vouchers have a four week expiry date because the maternity grant is provided to assist with the initial costs of provision for a new baby.