HL Deb 12 February 2001 vol 622 cc19-20WA
Lord Greaves

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many persons seeking asylum in the United Kingdom since 1 April 2000 have lived in initial emergency accommodation for (a) more than seven days, (b) more than 14 days, (c) more than 28 days, and (d) more than three months; and how many of them were under 18 years of age in each case. [HL555]

Lord Bassam of Brighton

This information is not readily available and can only be obtained at disproportionate cost. As at 26 January this year there were 5,900 people in emergency accommodation in England and Scotland.