(2) how many scouts from overseas who were due to attend the World Scouting Jamboree in August in Hylands Park, Chelmsford, applied for political asylum since 28 July.
(3) what action has been taken by (a) the Border and Immigration Agency and (b) the police to track down those overseas scouts who entered the UK to attend the World Scouting Jamboree in August in Hylands Park, Chelmsford, and failed to turn up to the Jamboree or disappeared during the course of the Jamboree.
[holding answer 8 October 2007]: A number of overseas scouts attending the World Scouting Jamboree would have made an application for entry clearance to enter the United Kingdom. They would have been issued with visitor visas for the standard six month period.
The information requested regarding how many scouts from overseas disappeared or did not arrive at the World Scouting Jamboree event is not collected by the Border and Immigration Agency because no Immigration offences were committed.
The Border and Immigration Agency cannot confirm how many overseas scouts claimed asylum as we do not comment on individual cases.
Essex police have confirmed that a total of 11 scouts are missing and they are actively trying to locate them. All referrals from the police to The Border and Immigration Agency relating to the overseas missing scouts have been investigated and all individuals continue to have valid entry clearance and are in the United Kingdom legally. As such, this is an ongoing police matter.