HC Deb 16 July 1985 vol 83 cc74-5W
Mr. Corbyn

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers who entered the United Kingdom in another category have been treated as illegal entrants in each year since 1979 and the current year to date; what was their nationality; and how many were detained on these grounds.

Mr. Waddington

The information requested is not: available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Mr. Corbyn

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department in what circumstances he declares asylum seekers to be illegal entrants; at what stage in the asylum procedure this is done; and under what circumstances detention would be considered.

Mr. Waddington

If a person who may be an illegal entrant applies for asylum, his application is considered in accordance with normal asylum procedures. Only if his application is unsuccessful is consideration given to the possibility of his removal as an illegal entrant. Detention is then authorised only where this is considered necessary to effect removal.

Mr. Corbyn

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department under what circumstances he will provide written reasons for refusal of asylum where there is no right of appeal and where no Member of Parliament is involved.

Mr. Waddington

Apart from the brief reasons given, for example, in the notice of refusal of leave to enter where a passenger seeks asylum on arrival in this country, it is not the practice to give detailed written reasons in these circumstances.

Mr. Corbyn

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department under what circumstances travel documents will be offered to those people refused asylum but granted exceptional leave to remain.

Mr. Waddington

In general, if it can be shown that their own national authorities refuse to document them or that it would be unreasonable to expect them to approach their national authorities.