§ Mr. ParryTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Chinese nationals are now political refugees in the United Kingdom arising from the Tiananmen square demonstrations: and if he will make a statement.
§ Mr. Charles WardleThe available information is that in the period 4 June 1989 to 31 December 1992 a total of 115 Chinese nationals—excluding dependants—who had applied for asylum in the United Kingdom were recognised as refugees and granted asylum here. In addition, 95 Chinese nationals—excluding dependants—who had applied for asylum were not recognised as428W refugees but were granted exceptional leave. At 31 December 1992, about 600 applications for asylum by Chinese nationals—excluding dependants—were awaiting a decision.
Also, as at end January 1993, an estimated 900 Chinese nationals—excluding dependants—had been allowed to remain in the United Kingdom on an exceptional basis without applying for asylum, under the arrangements announced in June 1989 for those in the United Kingdom on 4 June 1989 and who were unwilling to return to China for the time being.