HC Deb 24 October 2002 vol 391 cc487-8W
Mr. Boswell

To ask the Secretary of State for Work and Pensions what information he collates on the disability status of asylum seekers. [76412]

Maria Eagle

Since 3 April 2000, the Home Office, through the National Asylum Support Service, has been responsible for supporting and accommodating asylum seekers awaiting a determination of their case. Information on the number of those asylum seekers who report a health condition or disability is not collected centrally.

Those asylum seekers in receipt of benefits prior to 3 April 2000 continue to be eligible to claim Income Support, Housing Benefit and Council Tax Benefit. Of the 8,700 asylum seekers receiving Income Support in May 20021, 400 received a disability premium.

Source:

1 Income Support Quarterly Statistical Enquiry, May 2002.