Asylum seekers could be made to report to a new centre at Gatwick while their applications are processed.

The aim is to guard against people absconding after their initial interview on arrival into Britain.

The centre would be part of a network of 11 offices across the country aiming to keep an eye on asylum seekers. It could be set up at as early as next month.

Home Secretary Jack Straw announced plans for the centre as a part of measures to help tackle illegal immigration.

The number of asylum applications in the UK rose by five per cent last month, according to the Home Office. But the figure was still 13 per cent lower than for the same period last year.

Mr Straw was travelling to Heathrow airport this morning to inspect new finger-printing technology which immigration officials are using to keep a reliable record of asylum seekers, who often arrive without passports or other ID.

The Immigration Service is also to deploy X-ray scanners in France and the UK to help tackle illegal immigration across the Channel.

A Home Office spokesman said: "Reporting centres will help the Immigration Service keep a liaison going with the asylum seekers while their applications are being processed."