§ 20. Mr. ClappisonTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many asylum seekers were residing in Scotland in(a) May 1997 and (b) on the most recent date for which figures are available. [146199]
§ Mr. FoulkesFigures for the number of asylum seekers residing in Scotland in May 1997 are not available.
610 principal asylum seekers were being supported by local authorities in Scotland prior to 3 April 2000, when the National Asylum Support Service assumed responsibility for all new asylum seekers under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. This figure is calculated annually, in February, and I understand that there has been no substantial change since then.
In addition, under separate arrangements with London boroughs, before the 1999 Act came into effect, Glasgow placed in accommodation in the region of 140 principal asylum seekers (570 individuals). Such placements ceased in June 2000. As at 16 January 2001, 560 individuals were being accommodated under the London borough arrangements.
Glasgow City is currently the only local authority in Scotland providing services for asylum claimants under the 1999 Act. At 16 January 2001 it was accommodating 785 principal asylum seekers (2,350 individuals) under the new arrangements.
§ 24. Mr. SwayneTo ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many asylum seekers have been placed in Scotland under the dispersal scheme. [146203]
§ Mr. FoulkesAt 16 January 2001, 785 principal asylum seekers (2,350 individuals) were being accommodated in Scotland under the dispersal scheme implemented by the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.