HC Deb 03 November 1994 vol 248 cc1340-1W
Mr. Robert Ainsworth

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers are currently detained under Immigration Acts powers in Her Majesty's prison Doncaster; and how long on average these detainees are being held under these powers.

Mr. Nicholas Baker

None.

Mr. Robert Ainsworth

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many asylum seekers released from detention on bail by the Immigration Appellate Authority have subsequently absconded or otherwise failed to comply with the terms of such bail(a) in the last five years and (b) since 26 July 1993;

(2) how many asylum seekers detained under Immigration Act powers have been released on bail by the Immigration Appellate Authority (a) in the past five years and (b) since 26 July 1993.

Mr. Nicholas Baker

Information on the number of asylum seekers released from detention on bail by the Immigration Appellate Authority could be obtained only at disproportionate costs. Information on those released on bail that subsequently abscond is not separately identifiable in the statistics.

Mr. Robert Ainsworth

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) how many asylum seekers have been detained under the provisions of section 7 of the Asylum and Immigration Appeals Act 1993 since 26 July 1993;

(2) how many asylum seekers are currently detained under the provisions of section 7 of the Asylum and Immigration Appeals Act 1993.

Mr. Nicholas Baker

Section 7 of the Asylum and Immigration Appeals Act 1993 refers to the curtailment of leave to enter or remain in the United Kingdom after an asylum applicant has had their claim for asylum refused. It has no provision for the detention of asylum seekers. However, there have been no cases detained since 26 July 1993 who were awaiting removal or an appeal because their leave to remain had been curtailed.

Mr. Robert Ainsworth

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department approximately what proportion of those applying for asylum in the United Kingdom in 1993 arrived(a) without travel documents and (b) in possession of fraudulent travel documents.

Mr. Nicholas Baker

The available information relates to asylum applications lodged at the United Kingdom ports of Heathrow, Gatwick and Dover. In 1993, of the 6,725 applications for asylum, excluding dependants, lodged at these ports, an estimated 40 per cent. were without travel documents and 20 per cent. were in possession of fraudulent travel documents.

Young offender deaths 1990–1994
Suicide Misadventure Accidental Open Other Total
1990 5 (2) 5 10
1991 4 1 5
1992 4 1 2 11 8
1993 1 2 3
19942 1 1 1 l0

The figure in brackets refers to verdicts where a 'lack of care' rider has been used as a qualification. It does not relate to the concept of civil negligence nor does it indicate a breach of duty by anyone.

1 Cell mate charged with murder.

2 1994 figures are up to November 1. Verdicts are awaited in 7 cases for 1994.

Dr. Lynne Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will list the number of deaths in custody in the last five years which have resulted in disciplinary proceedings being brought against custodial officers.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from Derek Lewis to Dr. Lynne Jones, dated 3 November 1994: The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent question about the number of deaths in custody in the last five years which have resulted in disciplinary proceedings. I will write to you as soon as possible.

Dr. Lynne Jones

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will set out the rules in relation to the publication of reports into the circumstances surrounding a death in custody; and what plans he has to change them.

Mr. Michael Forsyth

Responsibility for this matter has been delegated to the Director General of the Prison Service, who has been asked to arrange for a reply to be given.

Letter from Derek Lewis to Dr. Lynne Jones, dated 3 November 1994: The Home Secretary has asked me to reply to your recent question about the rules in relation to the publication of reports into the circumstances surrounding a death in custody; and the plans he has to change them. Subject to considerations of security and to the Coroner's consent, the Prison Service is generally prepared to disclose, in advance of any inquest, copies of documents which are provided to the Coroner