Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what steps they have taken to ensure that the food provided to asylum seekers living in initial and dispersed asylum accommodation provided by the Home Office via contracts (1) is adequate, (2) meets minimum quality standards, (3) meets basic nutritional needs, and (4) is culturally appropriate.

Asylum seekers in initial accommodation are provided with three meals a day with a choice of at least one hot, one cold selection and a vegetarian option. Babies and small children are also provided with appropriate foodstuffs and can be fed whenever necessary. Options are provided for any asylum seeker with special dietary, cultural or religions requirements where specified. Food service meets appropriate nutritional standards and accommodation providers ensure that each varied menu is validated by a suitably qualified nutritionist or health professional as being appropriate.

Those in dispersal accommodation are provided with £47.39 per week, to meet essential living needs including food provision.

There are additional payments for pregnant women, children and babies as follows: