§ Simon HughesTo ask the Deputy Prime Minister what assessment he has made of the impact on the number of rough sleepers of the coming into effect of section 55 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylums Act 2002 on 8 January 2003; what steps lie has taken to address change in the number of rough sleepers after that date; and if he will make a statement. [85816]
§ Beverley Hughes[holding answer 10 December 2002]: I have been asked to reply.
The purpose of the new policy is to ensure that those wishing to seek asylum do so at the first practical opportunity on arrival in the United Kingdom. If that purpose is fulfilled, there is no reason to suppose that the coming into force of section 55 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 will result in an increase in the number of rough sleepers.