§ Bob SpinkTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what plans he has to provide additional accommodation for asylum seekers in Essex; and in which towns. [28419]
§ Angela EagleIt is current policy to disperse asylum seekers away from London and the south-east. In his statement on 29 October last year my right hon. Friend the Home Secretary made it clear that the policy of dispersing asylum seekers away from London and the south-east would continue. I can confirm that to date the Immigration and Nationality Directorate has not identified any areas in Essex suitable for use as cluster areas for the dispersal of asylum seekers.