HL Deb 06 April 1989 vol 505 cc1193-5

3.20 p.m.

Lord McNair asked Her Majesty's Government:

What representations they have received from agencies concerned with refugees about the proposal to use Gosport rather than Latchmere House for the detention of would-be immigrants and asylum-seekers.

The Earl of Arran

My Lords, a number of bodies concerned principally or partly with refugees have made representations about the proposal to hold people detained under the Immigration Act in Haslar, Gosport, instead of Latchmere House. The issue is under consideration. We hope to announce a decision shortly.

Lord McNair

My Lords, I thank the noble Earl for that Answer. Is he aware—I am sure that he is but I have to phrase it this way—of the excellent work being done by the Latchmere Project at Richmond, which I believe is based in the local citizens' advice bureau? Does he not think that to move this very vulnerable group of people from Richmond to Haslar, where it will be very much more difficult for their advisers, their relations and their compatriots to visit them, would be a very unfortunate way of easing the problem?

The Earl of Arran

My Lords, we are aware of the very good service provided by the Latchmere Project under the aegis of the Richmond citizens' advice bureau which, as the noble Lord has said, provides a valuable welfare service to the detainees. However, if the detainees are transferred we shall endeavour to make arrangements for an equivalent service in the new location. Accepting the other points which the noble Lord has raised, while Haslar is a less convenient location than Latchmere House, it is in many ways much better suited to the purpose. It offers a more relaxed environment, longer periods of association and improved opportunities for recreational and educational activities.

Lord Mishcon

My Lords, while it is extremely welcome to hear the noble Earl praise the Latchmere Project, is he aware that even in its present circumstances that project could do with considerably more financial assistance? In the light of the consideration being given to moving refugees from Latchmere House to Gosport, is he prepared to consider the possibility of further financial aid being granted if such a move takes place?

The Earl of Arran

My Lords, in reply to the noble Lord, I must say that I was not aware of the requirement for increased funding for Latchmere House. Since he has raised the question of increased funding I shall convey the point to my right honourable friend the Home Secretary.

Lord Bonham-Carter

My Lords, is the noble Earl aware that to move the centre to Gosport is to move it a very long way from the place where most of the immigrants arrive? Is he further aware that that would make it exceedingly difficult for them to be visited and for the very necessary services which are provided for them and which are widely used to be undertaken? Will the Minister say whether this is to be a temporary or a permanent move? Will he consider making arrangements so that in due course, if the move takes place, the centre can be moved back to a more convenient area nearer its present site?

The Earl of Arran

My Lords, since a decision has not finally been taken as to whether the move will take place, it is not possible for me to say whether such a move would be temporary or final. As regards the other points which the noble Lord has raised, the needs of detainees vary widely from an immediate need for warm clothing to practical help on family matters and, as he mentioned, specialist legal advice. We shall take those considerations very much into account in our planning when deciding whether the move should take place. If we decide to proceed we shall discuss arrangements for legal and welfare support with the relevant bodies, including the board of visitors at Haslar.

Lord McNair

My Lords, the noble Earl has made the facility at Haslar sound rather like a Butlin's holiday camp. Will he bear in mind that what a lot of the detainees want, rather than recreational facilities and so on, is to arrange a speedy exit from this country? Does he agree that the longer that takes the more it costs the taxpayer?

The Earl of Arran

My Lords, I shall bear the noble Lord's points in mind and report them to my right honourable friend the Home Secretary.

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