HL Deb 24 February 1997 vol 578 c77WA
The Earl of Sandwich

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Further to the fourth Written Answer given by Baroness Blatch on 10 February (WA 5), how widely available is the information that all detainees may apply to independent appellate authorities for bail; and what steps they are taking to ensure that detainees are aware of this fact.

Baroness Blatch

Instructions issued when the Asylum and Immigration Appeals Act 1996 received Royal Assent made clear to staff that any detainee with a right to apply for bail should be informed of this. Leaflets issued to illegal entrants and those subject to deportation action are being updated and will, among other things, include advice on entitlement to bail. All detainees have access to legal advice, and information about this is available in detention centres.