§ Mr. LidingtonTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many(a) principal applicants and (b) dependants would gain the right to take paid employment in the United Kingdom if the EEC draft directive laying down minimum standards on the reception of applicants for asylum in member states were implemented. [6059]
§ Angela EagleIf the European Economic Community (EEC) draft directive were implemented there would be no change with regards to rights of employment for principal applicants. When considering dependants, this issue is to be the subject of detailed discussions in the council working groups.
§ Jeremy CorbynTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers were dispersed on arrival in each month since January; and what percentage of these have since moved elsewhere and are no longer in receipt of housing aid. [7628]
§ Angela Eagle[holding answer 15 October 2001]: Statistics recorded by the National Asylum Support Service (NASS) show that as at the end of July 2001, 28,8101 asylum seekers, including dependants, were being supported in NASS accommodation.
As at the end of July 2001, over 7,000 cases, excluding dependants, had ceased to receive support from NASS. But this will include both cases which had not been dispersed and cases which have received a positive asylum decision.
The requested breakdown is currently unavailable.
1Figures rounded to the nearest 10.
§ Mrs. EllmanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the value of contracts is awarded to(a) the private sector, (b) local authorities and (c) the voluntary sector in relation to the Government's dispersal scheme for asylum seekers; and how many individuals have been accommodated by each sector. [7412]
§ Angela EagleI am unable to supply information on the value of individual contracts between National Asylum Support Service (NASS) and its suppliers. This information is commercial in confidence and cannot be released to third parties.
I am afraid that the NASS statistics do not show whether asylum seekers and their dependants are being accommodated by the private sector, local authorities or the voluntary sector However I can say that approximately 60 per cent. of bedspaces are provided by private sector companies and the remainder by local authorities and the voluntary sector.
1325W
§ Mrs. EllmanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the value of the contracts awarded to the Landmark Company is in relation to the dispersal of asylum seekers. [7413]
§ Angela EagleI am afraid that I am unable to supply the information. The value of individual contracts between National Asylum Support Service (NASS) and its suppliers is commercial in confidence and cannot be released to third parties.