HC Deb 23 June 2000 vol 352 c338W
Mrs. Ellman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what specifications have been drawn up to identify accommodation for asylum seekers under the Government's dispersal policy. [126436]

Mrs. Roche

Contracted providers from both the private and public sector were and are responsible for identifying suitable accommodation for asylum seekers. They work to specifications drawn up by the National Asylum Support Service (NASS) in consultation with other organisations, including the Refugee Council.

The requirements for the provision of accommodation are set out in model contracts for the provision of accommodation and related services to asylum seekers—one for private sector providers and one for local authority regional consortia. I am arranging for copies of these to be placed in the Library.