To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he plans to visit the Appeals Processing Centre in the Home Office to discuss the backlog of cases. [109774]

I have no immediate plans to visit the Appeals Processing Centre (APC). I visited APC in 2002 when I discussed issues relating to the processing of the backlog.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what proportion of asylum claims receive a decision within two months. [109771]

The Government's targets for reducing the time taken for decisions on asylum claims have so far been met and most applicants can expect to receive an initial decision in two months.The latest quarter for which there are confirmed statistics is April to September 2002 when 76 per cent. of new substantive applications received initial decisions within two months.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers have been given permission to remain in the UK in each of the past three years. [109772]

In 2002, 41,940 principal applicants were granted asylum or exceptional leave to remain at the initial decision stage, or had their appeal allowed by the Immigration Appellate Authority (IAA), compared with 39,180 in 2001, and 35,535 in 2000, and include cases decided as part of the backlog clearance exercise. Cases granted exceptional leave to remain are reviewed at the end of the period of exceptional leave and may then be subject to removal.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers have been refused support by NASS on the basis of not having made their claim as soon as is reasonably practicable after arriving in the UK on each day since 8 January. [109570]

It is planned to publish statistics on the operation of section 55 of the Nationality, Immigration and Asylum Act 2002, which came into force on 8 January 2003, by the end of May 2003, subject to quality assurance of the data.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will make a statement on the circumstances under which an asylum-seeking family would be detained if removal was not imminent. [110065]

As we made clear in our White Paper "Secure Borders, Safe Haven", families may be detained in line with our stated policy on the use of Immigration Act powers of detention. As such, detention may be appropriate in the following circumstances: initially, whilst identity and basis of claim are being established; where there is a risk of non-compliance with the conditions of temporary admission or release; or to effect removal. In addition, families may also be detained as part of the fast-track asylum process at Oakington Reception Centre.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what criteria are used by his Department to assess whether an asylum-seeking family poses a high risk of absconding. [110067]

Immigration officers take a range of factors into account when assessing whether or not an individual or family is likely to comply with the terms of temporary admission or release. These factors include: evidence of previous absconding; evidence of participation in a determined attempt to breach immigration laws; previous history of compliance with the requirements of immigration control; ties with the United Kingdom; and any incentives to remain in contact. Each case is considered on its individual merits.

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what medical screening is given to those seeking political asylum. [110076]

Asylum seekers attending the Induction Centre at Dover are offered health screening. We will extend this as we develop a network of induction centres. The screening is undertaken by nurse practitioners and can include a check for TB. In addition, passengers, including asylum seekers, arriving at UK airports may be referred to the Port Medical Inspector.Asylum seekers housed in the proposed, trial accommodation centres will have access to on-site health care. On arrival at a centre, they will register with the on-site doctor; the extent of previous screening will be confirmed and arrangements made for any follow-up treatment.