§ Mr. CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for Health what has been the cost to his Department for each year since 1996 of support for asylum seekers who are not eligible for social security benefits. [86891]
§ Mr. HuttonThe Department has paid grants to local authorities in respect of support for asylum seekers under the Children Act 1989 and National Assistance Act 1948 in 1996–97, 1997–98 and 1998–99. Details of the total amounts paid are shown in the table.
£ million Grant paid 1996–98 1997–98 1998–99 Unaccompanied children 3 1.587 20.157 Families with children 4.137 28.440 80.074 Single adults 5.627 39.577 89.813