HL Deb 17 May 2004 vol 661 cc65-6WA
The Earl of Sandwich

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many asylum seekers have been denied support under Section 55 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002; of these, how many remained in the United Kingdom; and where those who have remained in the United Kingdom have found accommodation. [HL2727]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

Section 55 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 came into force on 8 January 2003, restricting the availability of NASS support to those asylum seekers who make asylum application as soon as reasonably practicable.

Figures in respect of asylum seekers refused support under Section 55 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 in 2003 for each quarter are:

Number of cases refused support under Section 55 of the NIA Act 2002
Quarter 1 2003 2,850
Quarter 2 2003 1,830
Quarter 3 2003 2,810
Quarter 4 2003 1,925
Figures are rounded to the nearest five.

Data on those that remained in the UK, having been refused support under Section 55 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002, and where those who remained found accommodation, are not available.

Information on the number of asylum seekers supported by NASS is published quarterly. The next publication covering the first quarter of 2004 (January to March) will be available on 25 May on the Home Office Research Development and Statistics Directorate website at http://www.homeoffice.gov.uk/ rds/immigration1.html.

The Earl of Sandwich

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether there is a link between Section 55 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 and the recent reduction in asylum applications; and, if so, what evidence there is for such a link. [HL2728]

Baroness Scotland of Asthal

Section 55 is part of a wider package of measures contained in the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002 aimed at tackling asylum abuse and creating a more streamlined and cohesive asylum system. It is the package as a whole that delivered the reduction in intake and it is not, therefore, possible to identify the specific contribution made by Section 55.