§ Mr. StringerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people have been detained under the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001; how many people are detained; and how many of those currently detained are Muslims. [112931]
§ Mr. Blunkett[holding answer 13 May 2003]: 15 foreign nationals have so far been detained using powers in part 4 of the Anti-terrorism Crime and Security Act 2001. Eight were detained in December 2001, one in February 2002, two in April 2002, one in October 2002, one in November 2002, and a further two in January 2003.
Of the total detained, two have voluntarily left the United Kingdom. The other 13 remain in detention.
247WUnder the Special Immigration Appeals Commission's direction under section 11 of the Contempt of Court Act 1987, we are directed that 'there shall be no publication of any matter which may identify them or any of them'. Therefore it would not be appropriate for me to provide personal information on those detained, and this has been our position since the passage of the Act.