§ 14. Mr. Nellistasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Tamils have now arrived in the United Kingdom since 20 April; and how many have since been removed to Colombo.
§ Mr. WaddingtonFigures are readily available only from the beginning of May. Since then, some 1,345 Sri Lankan Tamils have arrived at United Kingdom ports and applied for asylum; one has so far been removed to Colombo.
§ Mr. Maddenasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Tamils who sought refuge in the United Kingdom during May are still in detention; why such Tamils were placed in detention; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaddingtonNo Sri Lankan Tamil who sought asylum upon arrival in the United Kingdom during the month of May is now detained. A passenger seeking asylum on arrival is not normally detained pending resolution of his application unless he has no alternative accommodation or the immigration officer considers that he will not comply with such conditions of temporary admission as may be imposed upon him.