Question to the Home Office:

To ask His Majesty's Government what is their policy for disposal of small boats used by asylum seekers crossing the English Channel.

All vessels that have been subject to seizure are held by Border Force until completion of any criminal investigation activities. The majority of boats are not fit for re-sale or to ever go to sea again, as they arrive in very poor condition and may be damaged during the recovery process. The boats are disposed of by Border Force’s approved contractors and, where appropriate, any suitable materials are recycled.