HC Deb 14 May 1999 vol 331 cc233-4W
Mr. Coleman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what research has been undertaken by his Department into the levels of support that will need to be available to dispersed asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement. [84040]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

The proposed levels of support we have announced are the result of detailed discussions with other Government Departments, the local authority associations, individual local authorities and the voluntary sector. No formal academic research has been undertaken.

Mr. Coleman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what transitional arrangements he will put in place under the Immigration and Asylum Bill to deal with existing asylum seekers who are waiting for their applications to be processed; and if he will make a statement. [84037]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

The Local Government Association and the Association of London Government are jointly developing new arrangements for supporting asylum seekers which mirror the support system which is due to come into operation on 1 April 2000 and which will, therefore, ease the transition to the new system. It is proposed that the Immigration and Asylum Bill will give statutory backing to these transitional arrangements with effect from Royal Assent.

Mr. Coleman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received from(a) refugee organisations and (b) other agencies since the assessment of the level of cash support available to asylum seekers proposed under the Immigration and Asylum Bill; and if he will make a statement. [84039]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

A number of refugee organisations and other agencies have commented on the proposed cash allowances for asylum seekers. We are now considering these comments.

Mr. Coleman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what procedures he plans to introduce to allow asylum seekers of school age to claim free school meals; and if he will make a statement. [84036]

Mr. Mike O'Brien

If they are of compulsory school age, the children of asylum seekers who are being supported by the Home Office will, if eligible, be entitled to free school meals.