Written question asked by David Lidington (Conservative) on Thursday, 7 December 2000, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Wednesday, 24 January 2001. It was answered by Lord Reid of Cardowan (Labour) on Wednesday, 24 January 2001 on behalf of the Scotland Office.

Scotland Office

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland, how many asylum seekers are being supported by each local authority in Scotland. - Inc figures and ref to 18 April 2000, 348 c473W. (Holding answer 12 December 2000).

Answer: Mr. Lidington: To ask the Secretary of State for Scotland how many asylum seekers are being supported by each local authority in Scotland. [142436] Dr. Reid: [holding answer 12 December 2000]: 610 principal asylum seekers were being supported by local authorities in Scotland prior to 3 April 2000, when the national asylum support service assumed responsibility for all new asylum seekers under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999. I refer the hon. Member to my reply to him of 18 April 2000, Official Report, column 473W, for details by each local authority. These figures are collected annually, in February, and I understand that there has been no substantial change since then. In addition, under separate arrangements with London boroughs, before the 1999 Act came into effect, Glasgow placed in accommodation in the region of 140 principal asylum seekers (570 individuals). Such placements ceased in June, since when four units of accommodation have been vacated. Glasgow City is currently the only local authority in Scotland providing services for asylum claimants under the 1999 Act. At 8 December it was accommodating 683 principal asylum seekers (1,094 individuals) under the new arrangements.

Secondary information