§ Mr. Jim CunninghamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum applications were(a) lodged, (b) outstanding and (c) decided in the years 1995–96, 1996–97, 1997–98, 1998–99 and 1999–2000. [125691]
§ Mrs. RocheThe information requested is given in the table.
Applications for asylum to the United Kingdom, initial decisions and cases awaiting an initial decision1 Asylum applications2 initial decisions2 Cases awaiting an initial decision2,3 1995–96 43,365 28,915 69,165 1996–97 27,685 38,895 54,950 1997–98 33,855 36,020 50,950 1998–994 51,255 26,525 74,405 1999–20004 76,115 51,445 98,365 1 Figures rounded to the nearest five 2 Excluding dependants 3 Cases outstanding at the end of the financial year 4 Provisional data
§ Mrs. EllmanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the arrangements are for assessing the suitability of individual retail outlets for receiving vouchers allocated to asylum seekers; what criteria are applied in the assessment; and what monitoring arrangements are in place. [125119]
§ Mrs. RocheThe retail outlets have been selected to provide a wide range of retail opportunities to asylum seekers. In excess of 19,000 outlets are signed up to the voucher scheme. Sodexho is responsible for the maintenance of this retail network. The National Asylum Support Service monitors the growth of the retail network in terms of overall numbers, geographical spread, and retail mix.
§ Mrs. EllmanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what criteria are applied in assessing the suitability of(a) contractors and (b) accommodation in relation to the Government's dispersal policy for asylum 536W seekers; and what weight is given in that assessment to factors concerning management arrangements and care of the asylum seekers. [125117]
§ Mrs. RocheIndependent property surveyors were appointed to inspect property proposed by all potential providers prior to contract. An ongoing programme of inspection is in place for all providers to ensure providers maintain acceptable standards.
Potential providers were assessed in terms of their financial standing, nature of accommodation offered, commercial offer and support infrastructure. This process included seeking references from past and present customers and consultation with Local Authority Consortia.
The assessment model for assessing the suitability of contractors includes management arrangements and care of asylum seekers. I am unable to give further details since this information could prejudice negotiations with additional accommodation providers.
§ Dr. HarrisTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) failed asylum seekers and (b) others have been (i) deported and (ii) removed to Zimbabwe in each month since May 1999. [125124]
§ Mrs. RocheThe requested information is not held centrally and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.