To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if she will impose a moratorium on the deportation to Sri Lanka of failed asylum seekers who are ethnic Tamils. (269316)

[holding answer 20 April 2009]: All asylum claims, including those from Tamils, are considered on their individual merits in accordance with our international obligations against the background of the latest country information and relevant caselaw. Where an applicant has been identified by the asylum decision making process and the appeals determination process not to be in need of international protection, we would expect the individual concerned to leave the UK voluntarily. If they do not leave voluntarily they may have their return enforced.