HC Deb 09 April 2003 vol 403 cc279-80W
Mr. Liddell-Grainger

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what help is given to district councils to help with housing asylum seekers placed in their areas. [107315]

Beverley Hughes

The National Asylum Support Service (NASS) has entered into contracts with the private and public sector to provide accommodation for destitute asylum seekers. Only local authorities contracted to NASS would be asked to provide accommodation for asylum seekers placed in their areas. Other district councils would not be required to provide accommodation for asylum seekers.

Mr Liddell-Grainger

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what the length of contract is with Clearsprings Ltd to house asylum seekers. [107317]

Beverley Hughes

The contract between the National Asylum Support Service and Clearsprings Ltd began on 3 April 2000 and runs for five years.

Mr. Liddell-Grainger

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what guidance the Home Office gives to companies that are looking to place asylum seekers in rural areas. [107331]

Beverley Hughes

Destitute asylum seekers requiring accommodation are dispersed to designated dispersal areas. The National Asylum Support Service (NASS) identified areas suitable for designation as a dispersal area. Private and public sector companies under contract to NASS to provide accommodation for asylum seekers are told which areas have been designated for dispersal and that accommodation must be located within the defined areas.