HC Deb 12 November 1998 vol 319 c261W
Dr. Cable

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance he has issued to London councils on dietary and housing provisions for asylum workers. [58953]

Mr. Hutton

I have been asked to reply.

We have not issued guidance of this kind to local authorities. It is for individual local authorities to assess the need for services in each case and to decide on the kind and level of services provided.

Dr. Cable

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps the Government are taking to ensure hostels for asylum seekers are adequately funded and regulated. [58954]

Mr. Hutton

I have been asked to reply.

Special grants will be made available to local authorities in 1998–99 to reimburse them towards their costs in accommodating asylum seekers. How and where local authorities provide accommodation for asylum seekers are matters for the individual authority concerned. However, local authorities would need to be satisfied that any accommodation provided was suitable, having regard to the needs of the asylum seekers concerned.