HC Deb 19 April 1994 vol 241 cc457-8W
Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what surveillance has been carried out of hunger strikers at Campsfield detention centre.

Mr. Charles Wardle

Detainees who claim to have refused meals for more than three days are placed in a separate unit at Campsfield house so that their medical condition can be closely monitored by qualified medical staff.

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many detainees, held under the Immigration Acts, are currently on hunger strike; for what length of time each has been on hunger strike; and where they are currently held.

Mr. Charles Wardle

On 15 April, 20 people detained under Immigration Act powers in the following locations were claiming to have refused meals since the dates shown:

Places of detention Number of detainees refusing meals Date
Campsfield house 7 11 March (1),
12 March (1),
13 March (1),
14 March (2),
28 March (2)
Brixton 1 30 March
Canterbury 2 8 March,
15 March
Exeter 1 7 April
High Down 4 9 April (3),
13 April (1)
Rochester 1 20 March
Winchester 1 8 March
Winson Green 1 19 March
Alexandra hospital 1 30 March
Epsom general hospital 1 8 March

Mr. Corbyn

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what representations he has received concerning the hunger strikers in detention centres; and if he will make a statement on his policy towards them.

Mr. Charles Wardle

I have received representations and inquiries from 20 hon. Members, as well as from noble Lords, representatives of the clergy, members and former members of Oxford university, organisations and members of the public.

It has been made clear to those detainees refusing food that we will not be pressurised into granting release as a result of this action. Equally, we are concerned to ensure that they understand the medical implications for themselves and that their medical condition is closely monitored. In addition, all detention is reviewed regularly and at an increasingly senior level. This review seeks to ensure that everything possible is being done to resolve the detainee's position so that he or she can be released or removed from the United Kingdom without unnecessary delay.