HC Deb 09 November 1989 vol 159 cc758-9W
Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers are currently at Heathrow airport; and how many are in accommodation provided by the immigration service.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

The information centrally available relates to passengers who are detained under the Immigration Act 1971 having claimed asylum on arrival in the United Kingdom, and in respect of whom an asylum questionnaire has been completed. On 8 November the number in detention was 21. The immigration service does not provide accommodation for passengers given temporary admission although hotel accommodation is occasionally arranged in cases of exceptional need.

Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what facilities are made available at major ports of entry for asylum seekers arriving in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

Asylum seekers without means of support in the United Kingdom will, if they meet the relevant criteria, qualify for social security benefits and emergency housing. In addition a number of voluntary organisations assist asylum seekers.

Mr. Tony Banks

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received regarding the plight of asylum seekers at ports of entry into the United Kingdom; and what resources are provided by his Department to voluntary organisations providing assistance for asylum seekers.

Mr. Peter Lloyd

A number of organisations concerned with the welfare of refugees and asylum seekers have made representations concerning the need for better reception facilities for asylum seekers who arrive at ports of entry and who have no means of support in the United Kingdom. An element of the Home Office grant to the British Refugee Council goes to assist asylum seekers arriving at Gatwick airport. We have agreed in principle to grant being made available to strengthen the reception arrangements which are made by the voluntary sector, and officials are in discussion with the refugee agencies about specific proposals.