HC Deb 20 February 1989 vol 147 cc501-2W
Mr. Alton

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what criteria he employs in deciding how to use his powers under section 11 of the Local Government Act 1966 in respect of special provision for refugees resettled in the United Kingdom via British colonies or Commonwealth countries.

Mr. John Patten

Under the terms of section 11 of the Local Government Act 1966, grant may be paid to local authorities only to assist with special provision required because of the presence of substantial numbers of immigrants from the Commonwealth. Refugees of non-Commonwealth origin who have arrived in the United Kingdom via a Commonwealth country are not considered to be within the scope of the legislation.