HC Deb 22 February 1979 vol 963 c245W
20. Mr. Hoyle

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many immigrants are being detained in prison for illegal entry; and if he will list the countries from which they came and the length of their detention.

Mr. John

There were on 8 February 55 people detained in prison and else-where as illegal entrants under the authority of an immigration officer. 25 had been detained up to one month; 10 for more than one month and up to two months; 11 for more than two months and up to three months; five for more than three months and up to four months; and four for more than four months, the longest period being 20 months.

Details by country are as follows:

ILLEGAL ENTRANTS DETAINED ON 8TH FEBRUARY 1979
Country Number
Algeria 1
Bangladesh 5
Benin 1
Cyprus 1
Egypt 1
India 12
Iran 2
Yugoslavia 1
Morocco 2
Nigeria 3
Pakistan 19
Tunisia 1
Turkey 5
Stateless (Nationality Doubtful) 1
Total 55