HC Deb 05 November 1999 vol 337 c368W
Mr. Lidington

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is his estimate of the number of asylum seekers who are currently(a) supported by local authorities and (b) in receipt of social security benefits. [97584]

Mrs. Roche

The latest information estimates that in August 1999, local authorities in London were supporting approximately 52,000 asylum seekers, including dependants. Figures for asylum seekers not supported by London boroughs are not available at present.

The latest information from the Department of Social Security (DSS) shows the estimated number of asylum seekers/other urgent case payment cases currently in receipt of Income Support or Jobseeker's allowance as at May 1999, is 47,000 (excluding dependants).