§ Mr. GerrardTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what arrangements are in place for medical examinations of immigration and asylum detainees who allege assault by members of staff of detention and removal centres, escorts, or other detainees. [157449]
§ Beverley HughesThere is medical provision at all immigration removal centres. Initial medical examinations of immigration detainees who allege assault would be carried out by the centre's own medical staff. Detainees, or their representatives, can request access to independent medical advice should they so wish. In such circumstances the centres would provide facilities for these examinations.
§ Ms. DrownTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether Group 4 received a copy of the report completed by Steven Shaw on Yarl's Wood. [159900]
§ Beverley HughesI can confirm that Group 4 have been provided with a copy of Stephen Shaw's report concerning allegations of racism at Yarl's Wood as covered in theDaily Mirrorarticle of 8 December 2003.
The investigation by Stephen Shaw into the fire at Yarl's Wood on 14/15 February 2002 is still ongoing.
§ Ms. DrownTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many detainees and ex-detainees were interviewed by Steven Shaw for each of his reports; and how many detainees in total were present on the day of the fire. [159901]
§ Beverley HughesWith regard to Stephen Shaw's inquiry into allegations of racism at Yarl's Wood, I understand that 30 detainees were interviewed by members of the inquiry team. The Ombudsman also received written notes from some detainees regarding this matter.
The inquiry into the fire at the centre on 14/15 February 2002 is ongoing. I understand that Mr. Shaw's team has so far spoken directly to some detainees, received signed statements from others, and has reviewed all the statements taken by police during their investigation of the incident, which includes a large number provided by detainees.
On the day of the fire there were 385 detainees in Yarl's Wood.