§ Lord Aveburyasked Her Majesty's Government:
For what reasons the number of persons detained under the Immigration Acts increased to an all time high of 1,108 at the end of September, notwithstanding that the number of asylum seekers in the preceding three months was 9 per cent lower than the eqivalent figure for 1999. [HL4416]
§ Lord Bassam of BrightonThe increase in the number of people detained is a reflection of the gradual expansion of the number of detainee places available. An additional 112 places came on stream at the centre at Lindholme in July and built up to full capacity in September.
The Government are committed to increasing the number of failed asylum applicants, inadmissible passengers and illegal entrants removed from the country. Last year about 8,000 failed asylum applicants were removed. This year the target is 12,000. Regrettably, detention is necessary because of the lack of compliance with conditions of temporary admission. Only about 3 of people leave the country voluntarily following adverse decisions and completion of the appeal process.