HC Deb 05 July 2000 vol 353 c233W
Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many units of accommodation the National Asylum Seekers Support Service has so far secured for housing destitute asylum seekers. [128558]

Mrs. Roche

As of 30 June the National Asylum Support Service (NASS) had placed 3,028 destitute asylum seekers into accommodation. The process of accommodating destitute asylum seekers is of course demand led. The exact number of units available changes day by day as providers notify the service of properties. We are continuing to negotiate with both the public and private sector for further accommodation, but it was always the intention that accommodation providers would be asked to provide accommodation on a basis of need.

Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many staff are employed at the National Asylum Seekers Support Service. [128560]

Mrs. Roche

As of 30 June there were 433 staff employed in the National Asylum Support Service. Of these 423 are employed in Croydon. In addition there are 10 Regional Managers situated around the country who are responsible for ensuring that the support arrangements function satisfactorily in their area.

Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what advice he has given to the Refugee Council on the establishment of emergency reception facilities for destitute asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement. [128559]

Mrs. Roche

Officials in the National Asylum Support Service have provided assistance to the Refugee Council in identifying suitable property and in contract negotiation where this has proved necessary. In addition, the Refugee Council has been given advice on the standards we expect to be met for emergency accommodation that is provided for destitute asylum seekers while their claim for support by the National Asylum Support Service is considered.

Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many cases the National Asylum Seekers Support Service has so far(a) assessed and (b) referred to accommodation outside London. [128557]

Mrs. Roche

As of 30 June the National Asylum Support Service had received 5,327 applications for support. Not all of these would have included a request for accommodation. As of 30 June 3,212 asylum seekers including dependents had been dispersed to accommodation outside London.