HC Deb 22 May 2000 vol 350 c354W
Ms Perham

l4. To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the most recent figures for the processing of asylum applications. [121544]

Mrs. Roche

The number of initial decisions made in March increased by 44 per cent. on the figure for February, rising to 11,340, the highest monthly total ever recorded and the first time ever the level has climbed above 10,000. As a result, the backlog of initial asylum decisions has begun to fall.

26. Dr. Godman

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what recent representations he has received concerning the administration of the voucher system for asylum seekers and their families. [121557]

Mrs. Roche

I and my officials have over the last few months received a number of representations concerning the administration of the voucher system. These include letters from the public and from hon. Members. Parliamentary questions have also been asked in both Houses about the system.

28. Mr. Syms

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the number of failed asylum seekers since 1997 who have disappeared within the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [121559]

Mrs. Roche

No official estimate has been made of the numbers of failed asylum seekers since 1997 who have disappeared in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Burstow

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to use the Farringdon House Territorial Army Centre in North Cheam for use as accommodation for asylum seekers. [122841]

Mrs. Roche

The National Asylum Support Service has no plans to use the Farringdon House Territorial Army Centre in North Cheam to accommodate asylum seekers.