HC Deb 12 March 1997 vol 292 cc268-9W
Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for Health what is the total level of payments to date for each appropriate local authority for asylum seekers who would otherwise be facing destitution as defined under the National Assistance Act 1948. [19603]

Mr. Burns

As my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State for Health announced we shall be reimbursing local authorities for reasonable costs that have fallen to them following the high court and courts of appeal judgments. Guidance has been issued to local authorities inviting them to claim for reimbursement of their expenditure in supporting adult asylum seekers. Claims forms must be submitted to the Department by 14 March.