TODAY Home Office minister Beverley Hughes answers her critics exclusively in The Daily Echo.

After weeks of snubbing invitations from residents, the council and the town's MP to visit Lee-on-the-Solent, she has broken her silence.

But campaigners opposing the 400-bed asylum seekers' centre at Daedalus say Mrs Hughes's article still leaves their questions unanswered.

They say it is unfair of her to comment on the great deal of "speculation" and "misinformation" about the plan when no information has been forthcoming from Home Office officials.

John Beavis, chairman of the Daedalus Action Group, said: "She says nothing here and it does not give us a great deal of comfort.

"It is no wonder that there is misinformation when we are not getting any information.

"Even now it would be nice to have a date when the government announces whether it intends to seek planning approval.

"All we know is that it might be mid-May."

Mr Beavis also said Mrs Hughes's lack of geographical knowledge was once again evident as she continually referred to the site being in Gosport, rather than Lee-on-the-Solent. We have made it quite clear that we want her to visit the area for herself before making any decision."

Fareham council's leader Sean Woodward, who is due to meet Home Office officials next month, said Mrs Hughes was to blame for speculation among residents.

"In the absence of information there is bound to be speculation and misinformation. That is 100 per cent Mrs Hughes's fault," he said.

"There is a difference between a formal consultation and just giving out information about the consultation.

"We need as much information as possible now before any consultation starts.

"Why on earth Mrs Hughes just cannot come to visit Lee-on-the-Solent I don't know. It's not as if they're putting up 500 of these all over the country."

The minister's response: See today's Spotlight feature on pages 10 & 11 of the Southern Daily Echo and at http://www.thisissouthampton.co.uk/hampshire/southampton/more_news/spotlight.html.