§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Kurdish asylum seekers have been detained, and for what period, since 1 January.
§ Mr. Peter Lloyd[holding answer 27 October 1989]: The information is not available in the form requested. Of approximately 3,900 Turkish nationals who have claimed asylum on arrival in the United Kingdom since 1 January some 300 have been detained at some time, for periods ranging from one day to five months. On 26 October, four Turkish asylum seekers, one of whom arrived in May and three in June, remained in detention, their applications for asylum having been considered and refused. On the same date two other Turkish nationals who were being treated as illegal entrants and were detained had applied for asylum. One had been in prison—following a criminal conviction, the other was detained in September 1989.
§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Kurdish people from Turkey have arrived at Heathrow airport and then returned to Turkey without seeking entry to Britain since 1 January.
§ Mr. Peter Lloyd[holding answer 27 October 1989]: Information on passengers subject to control who seek leave to enter is maintained by nationality not ethnic or religious origin. There are no records of passengers who do not seek leave to enter, for example because they are in direct transit. Up to 26 October a total of 232 Turkish asylum seekers had departed voluntarily without awaiting the outcome of their applications.
§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what date Siho Iyiguven arrived in Britain; for what periods he was detained; how many representations were received on his behalf; who took the decision to remove him; whether his Department will pay for the return of his body to Turkey; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter Lloyd[holding answer 27 October 1989]: Mr. Siho Iyiguven arrived in Britain on 2 May 1989. He was detained on 22 August for one night and on 4 October until the fire on 5 October which led to his death. Representations were received on his behalf on five occasions. The decision that he did not qualify for asylum 371W in this country was taken in the refugee section of the immigration and nationality department and removal directions were issued by the immigration service. The inquest into Mr. Iyiguven's death has been adjourned and I understand that his next of kin have yet to decide what arrangements to make for his remains.
§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the total number of Kurdish asylum seekers from Turkey who have arrived in Britain since 1 January; and how many have(a) made voluntary departures, (b) been given exceptional leave to remain, (c) been granted asylum and (d) been removed to Turkey.
§ Mr. Peter Lloyd[holding answer 27 October 1989]: Immigration statistics do not record ethnic origins of asylum seekers. From 1 January until 25 October some 3,900 Turkish nationals had applied for asylum on arrival (a) 232 had made voluntary departures, (b) 270 had been given exceptional leave to enter, (c) 75 had been granted asylum and (d) 38 had been removed to Turkey.
§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations from human rights and church organisations he has received concerning the treatment of Kurdish asylum seekers since 1 January; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Peter Lloyd[holding answer 27 October 1989]: Representations have been received from various individuals and organisations about general and specific issues concerned with Turkish asylum seekers.