§ Mr. MalinsTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many unaccompanied minors who are classified as asylum seekers are under the protection of local authorities; and if he will make a statement. [11369]
§ Angela EagleLocal authorities state that as of 26 January 2001 they were supporting 6,078 unaccompanied asylum seeking children (UASC). This consisted of 1,376 under 16-year-olds and 4,702 16 to 17 year-olds.