HC Deb 30 March 2001 vol 365 cc853-4W
Mr. Lidington

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when the review into the workings of the asylum support system will be concluded; and if he will make a statement. [156092]

Mrs. Roche

I refer the hon. Member to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Walthamstow (Mr. Gerrard) on 8 January 2001,Official Report, column 413W.

Mr. Lidington

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers are being supported by NASS in each area of the country; and if he will make a statement. [156089]

Mrs. Roche

The number of asylum seekers (including dependants) allocated support by National Asylum Support Service (NASS), as at the end of February 2001, were as follows:

Allocated
voucher
Allocated support
Region accommodation only Total
East Midlands 1,200 220 1,420
East England 40 810 840
Greater London 420 8,120 8,540
North East 4,010 30 4,040
North West 5,100 220 5,320
North Ireland 40 1 40
Scotland 2,280 160 2,440
South Central 270 1,530 1.790
South West 520 180 700
Wales 30 70 100
West Midlands 2,330 210 2,540
Yorkshire and Humberside 5,180 100 5,280
Total 21,410 11,630 33,040
1Indicates between 1 and 4. All figures rounded to the nearest ten so may not add up to totals.

Mr. Lidington

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the fraudulent use of vouchers will be part of the review of the working of the voucher support system; and if he will make a statement. [156090]

Mrs. Roche

A number of respondents to the review of the operation of the asylum voucher scheme have commented on the fraudulent use of vouchers and their comments will be taken into consideration.