§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Tamils from Sri Lanka have been allowed temporary admission into the United Kingdom during the past 12 months; and how many of these have subsequently been deported from the United Kingdom.
§ Mr. WaddingtonThe information is not available in the form requested.
In the 12 months up to 1 May 1985, approximately 350 Tamils from Sri Lanka accompanied in some cases by dependants, on arrival in the United Kingdom either sought asylum or expressed a fear of returning to Sri Lanka and were subsequently granted temporary admission.
In the same period no Tamil passenger expressing a fear of returning to Sri Lanka was returned there.
§ Mr. Wigleyasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Tamils from Sri Lanka have applied for asylum in the United Kingdom during the past 12 months; and of these how many applications have been (a) granted, (b) refused and (c) have still to be decided.
§ Mr. WaddingtonThe relevant statistics are recorded by nationality and not according to ethnic origin.
566WIn 1984, 425 applications for asylum were received from Sri Lankan nationals. In the same period two applicants were recognised as refugees, 14 were granted leave to remain exceptionally, 51 withdrew their applications and 143 were refused leave to enter or remain.
Between 1 January and 31 March 1985, the latest period for which figures are available, there were 203 applicants, of whom one was allowed to remain exceptionally, nine withdrew their applications and 14 were refused leave to enter or remain. At 31 March 1985, there were 715 cases awaiting decision.
§ Mr. Proctorasked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will set out in the Official Report the number of Tamils from Sri Lanka who have (a) entered the United Kingdom, (b) applied for political asylum and (c) been granted permanent settlement in each of the last five years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. WaddingtonThe relevant immigration statistics are classified by nationality and do not separately identify Tamils. The available figures for all Sri Lankan nationals are shown in the following table:
Citizens of Sri Lanka admitted to the United Kingdom who applied for political asylum or refugee status or were granted settlement in the United Kingdom. Number of persons Admitted Applied for asylum or refugee status Granted settlement 1980 23,900 20 770 1981 25,500 10 790 1982 27,000 20 790 1983 28,300 380 920 1984 30,200 420 760 Recent weeks have seen a substantial increase in the number of Sri Lankan Tamils seeking asylum on arrival in the United Kingdom. Between 16 May and 22 May there have been some 420 such cases. These cases are now being considered in accordance with the policy announced by my right hon. and learned Friend on 20 May, at column 273, with a view to returning to Sri Lanka those who do not qualify for asylum, unless there is reason to believe that they would suffer severe hardship on their return.