§ Baroness Hollis of Heighamasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many children of asylum seekers they expect to come within the purview of the Children Act 1989 for 1996–97 and for 1997–98 respectively; what 106WA percentage of asylum seekers' families that represents; and what estimate have they made of the gross and net cost to central government funds for the years 1996–97 and 1997–98 of reimbursing local authorities' additional costs of complying with the requirements of the Children Act.
§ Baroness CumberlegeThe latest figures available indicate that at May 1995, 28.5 per cent. of the asylum seekers on income support were in receipt of family premium.
The Government are awaiting evidence from the local authority associations about the number of children and their families seeking support from social services departments. Until this information is available, it is not possible to make accurate cost estimates.