§ Lord Hyltonasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether funding has been, or is being withdrawn from the citizens' advice bureau at HMP Haslar, and, if so, how they justify this decision and how they propose to implement the recommendations of his Honour Judge Tumim concerning advice and legal representation for immigration and asylum detainees.
The Minister of State, Home Office (Earl Ferrers)The Government's support for the advisory service run by the citizens' advice bureau at HM Prison Haslar was never intended to be permanent. The grants made for the last two years were exceptional payments intended to give the project the opportunity to consider if alternative long-term arrangements could be established.
The United Kingdom Immigrants Advisory Service is funded by the Government to provide free advice and representation in immigration and asylum cases. Its refugee unit intends to run weekly surgeries at Haslar for the Immigration Act detainees held there. In addition, green form legal aid continues to be available in these cases. His Honour Judge Tumim has not made any formal recommendations about these arrangements.