HC Deb 12 February 2001 vol 363 cc57-9W
Mr. Gerrard

To ask the Secret try of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the total value of the change which has not been given to asylum seekers using vouchers in shops. [149289]

Mrs. Roche

Retailers participating in the asylum voucher scheme are not required to keep records of the sums they retain as a result of the no change policy. We believe that asylum seekers are managing to combine their vouchers and cash to ensure they do not lose out. However, we are looking into this issue as part of our review of the operation of the voucher scheme.

Mr. Simon Hughes

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what assessment he has made of the practice of detaining asylum seekers in other European countries; what European countries have a policy of the systematic detention of asylum seeker s in secure reception centres; and if he will make a statement. [149547]

Mrs. Roche

The Government monitor the asylum practices of other European Union member states.

All member states detain asylum seekers in certain circumstances. The criteria for detention vary considerably between member states.

Some member states also operate a system of reception centres to accommodate asylum seekers. Most such centres are not secure, but in some cases the freedom of movement of asylum seekers is restricted by a requirement for continuous residence or regular reporting.

Mr. Michael

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if it is his policy to encourage asylum seekers to undertake voluntary activity while they are awaiting a decision on their case; and what guidance is offered on this matter by his Department. [149890]

Mrs. Roche

The Government are keen that asylum seekers should have the chance to contribute to their local community by taking part in voluntary activity.

Guidance which will be of help to organisations and to asylum seekers interested in this area has today been placed in the Library.

Miss Widdecombe

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what estimate he has made of the number of people who have had their applications for refugee status refused, but remain illegally in the United Kingdom; and if he will make a statement. [150075]

Mrs. Roche

I refer the right hon. Member to the reply I gave to the hon. Member for Blaby (Mr. Robathan) on 8 January 2001,Official Report, column 700.

Miss Widdecombe

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers eligible for support from NASS are receiving voucher-only support; and if he will make a statement. [150038]

Mrs. Roche

As at the end of December 2000, 8,870 asylum seekers (including dependants) were allocated voucher-only support by the National Asylum Support Service (NASS).

1 Figure rounded to the nearest 10
Miss Widdecombe

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many unaccompanied minors who are classified as asylum seekers are under the protection of local authorities; and if he will make a statement. [150034]

Mrs. Roche

The latest available estimate is that, as at 31 March 2000, the number of unaccompanied minors who were classified as asylum seekers and are under the protection of local authorities was 5,190.

Miss Widdecombe

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many adult asylum seekers are resident in the United Kingdom awaiting the outcome of their asylum applications, but are not in receipt of support from NASS; and if he will make a statement. [150037]

Mrs. Roche

The number of asylum applications awaiting an initial decision at the end of December 2000 was 66,195.

Information is available on the number of asylum seekers that were allocated National Asylum Support Service (NASS) support, however these figures may include some family cases who have received a final decision on their asylum claim and are awaiting removal. In total, as at end December 2000, 25,5001 asylum seekers (including dependants) were allocated NASS support. 1 Figures rounded to the nearest 100

3. Mr. Randall

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what discussions he has had with local authorities regarding the dispersal of asylum seekers. [147089]

Mrs. Roche

[pursuant to her reply, 5 February 2001, c. 647]: The year for which the figure 3,190 refers is 1995 and not 1996.

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