HC Deb 27 October 1997 vol 299 cc746-7W
Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many Algerian nationals have been granted exceptional leave to remain in the United Kingdom in the past 12 months; [12790]

(2) how many Algerian nationals were refused asylum in the United Kingdom in the past 12 months; [12789]

(3) how many Algerian nationals have applied for asylum in the United Kingdom in the past 12 months. [12791]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

The information requested is given in the table.

Decisions on applications1 2 for asylum in the United Kingdom

from Algerian nationals, excluding dependants, in the 12 months

between October 1996 and September 1997

Number of principal applicants
Asylum applications 590
Total decisions3 1,090
Recognised as a refugee and granted asylum 60
Not recognised as a refugee but granted exceptional leave to remain4 10
Refusals 1,020
1 Figures rounded to the nearest five.
2 Provisional figures.
3 Decisions do not necessarily relate to applications made in the period.
4 Usually granted for a year in the first instance, subject then to further review.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Algerian nationals are being held in detention centres in the United Kingdom. [12788]

Mr. O'Brien

As at 16 October 1997, a total of 23 Algerian nationals were detained in immigration detention centres. This figure excludes those detained under Immigration Act powers in prison establishments or in prison cells.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Algerian nationals are currently being held in custody in the United Kingdom for non-immigration offences. [12792]

Ms Quin

The latest available information is for 30 September 1997. On that date there were 25 Algerian nationals held in Prison Service establishments in England and Wales for non-Immigration Act offences. information for Scotland and Northern Ireland is available from the respective Secretaries of State.

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