§ Mr. MerchantTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what plans he has to enable local social services authorities to meet the costs of the adult asylum seekers whom they are supporting following the High Court judgment on 8 October making them liable to provide such support. [6586]
§ Mr. DorrellI intend to appeal against the judgment, as do the social services authorities who were party to the case.
In the meantime I intend, subject to parliamentary approval of the necessary special grant report, to make funds available to meet the reasonable costs incurred by authorities supporting asylum seekers who show entitlement to such support under that judgment. My Department will discuss the detailed arrangements with local authorities. I will lay the special grant report when that has been done.