§ Mr. Harry GreenwayTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many former asylum seekers have been granted work permits in each of the past five years; and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Charles Wardle[holding answer 1 December 1992]: Comprehensive information on the number of asylum seekers who have withdrawn their application or have been refused asylum, and have subsequently been granted a work permit by the Department of Employment, is not available and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.
Asylum seekers in the United Kingdom whose applications have not yet been decided may apply after six months from the date of application for authorisation to seek employment without a work permit. Persons granted asylum or exceptional leave are granted such authorisation at the time of the grant.