Written question asked by John Fraser (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 15 May 1996. It was answered by Ann Widdecombe (Conservative) on Wednesday, 15 May 1996 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: How many inquiries his Department has received from housing authorities seeking to establish whether a claimant for homelessness is also seeking political asylum. - Includes figures.

Answer: Mr. Fraser: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many inquiries his Department has received from housing authorities seeking to establish whether a claimant for homelessness is also seeking political asylum.[28968] Miss Widdecombe: Since the beginning of February this year, when a central point of contact was set up within the immigration and nationality directorate, 577 inquiries have been received from housing authorities seeking to establish whether a person seeking assistance under part III of the Housing act 1985, England and Wales, part II of the Housing (Scotland) Act 1987 or part II of the Housing (Northern Ireland) Order 1988, has applied for asylum.

Secondary information