HC Deb 13 February 2002 vol 380 cc461-3W
Mr. Luff

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if the proposed asylum accommodation centres will be constructed using the Private Finance Initiative; and if he will make a statement. [33698]

Angela Eagle

Proposed asylum accommodation centres will not be developed using the Private Finance Initiative (PFI). The Home Office has considered a number of procurement strategies for the delivery of these projects and determined that the PFI route was not appropriate in view of the urgent nature of the programme.

Mr. Luff

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what consultations he will undertake with(a) local authorities, (b) providers of local services and (c) members of the local community before reaching a decision on the use of Throckmorton airfield as the site of a proposed asylum accommodation centre; [33061]

(2) if he intends to apply the special urgency provisions in paragraph 22 of Circular 18/84 (Development by Government Departments) to the development of the proposed asylum accommodation centres; and if he will make a statement; [33064]

(3) if he will submit to Wychavon district council a full environmental impact statement in accordance with the town and country planning regulations before proceeding with a decision on the use of Throckmorton airfield as the site of a proposed asylum accommodation centre. [33062]

Angela Eagle

[holding answer 5 February 2002]: Home Office officials met recently with planning officials from Wychavon district council regarding the potential development of the airfield at Throckmorton. They will, in the near future and in agreement with the planning authority, embark on a consultation exercise with all relevant parties including local authorities, providers of local services and members of the local community.

The potential accommodation centre site at the Throckmorton airfield is a Crown development and as such my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary does not have to comply with the town and country planning regulations. However, an environmental impact study will be included as part of the planning notification package, to be submitted in accordance with Circular 18/84, to Wychavon district council.

The Home Office does intend to apply the special urgency provisions in paragraph 22 of Circular 18/84 (Development by Government Departments) to the development of proposed asylum accommodation centres. These provisions are being applied on the basis of the urgent national need relating to the development of accommodation centres. Officials at the Home Department are currently meeting with the relevant local planning authorities on this matter.

Shona McIsaac

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what type of identification system will be used for residents at asylum seeker accommodation centres. [34584]

Angela Eagle

We intend that when the trial accommodation centres are opened, the new application registration card which was launched on 31 January 2002 will be issued to all new asylum seekers, including accommodation centre residents.

Shona McIsaac

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how much spending money adult residents at asylum seeker accommodation centres will receive. [34583]

Angela Eagle

Residents will receive a small cash allowance to cover incidental expenses, the amount of which has yet to be decided.

Mr. Luff

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on which part of the airfield at Throckmorton he is considering building an asylum accommodation centre. [34494]

Angela Eagle

[holding answer 8 February 2002]: The Home Office is currently assessing the suitability of various areas within the boundary of the Throckmorton airfield for the potential siting of an accommodation centre. Officials are in consultation with a number of parties, including the owner of the airfield and Wychavon district council, on issues which may impact on any decision on the precise siting of the potential development.

Mr. Luff

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the timetable is for deciding the locations of the proposed asylum accommodation centres. [31732]

Angela Eagle

I refer the hon. Member to the previous answer given on 11 February 2002,Official Report, column 57W.