Written question asked by Tom Cox (Labour), in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 24 February 1997. It was answered by Lord Kirkhope of Harrogate (Conservative) on Monday, 24 February 1997 on behalf of the Home Office.

Home Office

Question: How many Sri Lankan Tamils, who are being held in (a) prison and (b) detention centres, are seeking political asylum. - Inc table.

Answer: Mr. Cox: To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Sri Lankan Tamils, who are being held in (a) prison and (b) detention centres, are seeking political asylum; and if he will make a statement. [16933] Mr. Kirkhope: The available information on all Sri Lankan asylum seekers held in detention, under sole Immigration Acts powers, is given in the table. No distinction is made in statistical records between Tamils and other Sri Lankans. Sri Lankan nationals recorded as being detained{ 1}, who had sought asylum at some stage, by location of detention as at 31 January-3 February 1997{ 2} _________________________________________________________________________________________________. Persons detained at Category of Her Majesty's prison Detention centre Total person Port cases 3 3 6 Persons subject to enforcement 7 3 10 action{3} Total 10 6 16 _________________________________________________________________________________________________. {1} Persons detained solely under the powers contained in Schedule 2 or 3 of the Immigration Act, 1971. {2} Enforcement cases are as at 31 January and port cases are as at 3 February. {3} Illegal entrants and persons subject to deportation action.

Secondary information