§ Mr. DowdTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to increase funds to London boroughs to deal with refugees and asylum seekers; and what plans he has to implement a strategic approach in London.
§ Mr. Charles WardleThe Department of the Environment is providing special financial assistance to local authorities worst affected by the influx of displaced persons from the former Yugoslavia in 1992–93. My right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for the Environment announced on 3 February at col. 343 that a similar scheme will operate in 1993–94 and that assistance will also be given in respect of unaccompanied refugee children. Local authorities, including London boroughs, will be given an opportunity to make claims for financial assistance in due course.
We are conscious of the pressure on services due to the number of refugees and asylum seekers wishing to settle in London. Where refugees are being brought to the United Kingdom under Government-sponsored schemes, every effort is made to settle these people outside London.