§ Mr. MaudeTo ask the Chancellor of the Exchequer what are his latest estimates of the support costs for asylum seekers charged to each of(a) the Home Office, (b) the Department for Social Security and (c) the Department of Health for each of (i) 1997–98, (ii) 1998–99, (iii) 1999–2000, (iv) 2000–01 and (v) 2001–02. [68388]
§ Mr. MilburnAsylum support costs are currently divided between the Department of Social Security and the Department of Health. In 1997–98, asylum support cost £374.6 million, of which £305 million was borne by the Department of Social Security. Figures for 1998–99 are not yet available on a comparable basis.
From April 1999, the costs of support for adults and families will be funded from the new asylum seeker support budget managed by the Home Office. The sums of £350 million, £300 million and £250 million were allocated to this in the Comprehensive Spending Review on the basis of estimated costs for the period 1999–2002. Actual spend will depend on a number of factors, such as the number of asylum claims and the speed with which these can be handled. My right hon. Friend the Home Secretary may revise these cost estimates in due course.