HC Deb 11 December 1997 vol 302 c636W
Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Sri Lankans have sought political asylum in the United Kingdom during the current year. [19558]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

During the period from 1 January to 31 October 1997, a total of 1,405 applications for asylum, excluding dependants, were lodged in the United Kingdom by Sri Lankan nationals.