A councillor accused of making racist remarks about asylum seekers at a public meeting has apologised.

Diana Ludlow said she never meant her comments to be racist.

Cllr Ludlow, a Conservative member of both Thame town and Oxfordshire county councils, made her comments at Thame's annual town meeting. She said:

*Most asylum seekers are economic migrants and not fleeing persecution

*In Oxford they take up homes needed by homeless people

*Empty Ministry of Defence properties should be used to house refugees

*The Government should fund lessons to teach them English

*They should be put to voluntary work in the community. Only yesterday, county councillors called on Prime Minister Tony Blair to ensure refugees were offered a fair crack of the whip in housing, education and jobs.

Meanwhile, Tory leader William Hague outlined plans to detain all asylum applicants in army barracks while their cases were considered.

Labour town councillor Mary Stiles said she was shocked at Mrs Ludlow's "racist and inflammatory remarks".

Colleague Andy Gunn said he was upset at being subjected to a party political broadcast. "I found her remarks very offensive," he said.

Cllr Ludlow said: "I apologise if members thought my remarks were racist.

"If people learn English, they are more able to live here properly. Giving them community work would help them become part of the community.