HC Deb 20 June 1985 vol 81 c182W
Mr. Corbyn

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Sri Lankan Tamils who have arrived in the United Kingdom since 20 April (a) have been refused entry and (b) are currently awaiting a decision; and of those who have been accepted into the United Kingdom, how many Tamils have been accepted as refugees on an exceptional basis respectively.

Mr. Waddington

Figures are readily available only from the beginning of May. Since then some 1,330 Sri Lankan Tamils have arrived at United Kingdom ports and sought asylum. So far, decisions have been taken in respect of some 200, of whom one has been recognised as a refugee, 27 have been granted leave to enter exceptionally and the remainder have been refused leave to enter.