HC Deb 11 June 1979 vol 968 cc1-2W
Mr. Gummer

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) in each of the last three years how many individuals have been kept at entry ports and airports in the United Kingdom for between one and seven days while immigration inquiries are continued;

(2) in each of the last three years how many individuals have been kept at entry ports and airports in the United Kingdom for more than seven days while immigration inquiries are continued.

Mr. Raison

I regret that this information could be obtained only at disproportionate cost. The detention centre at Harmondsworth is the only accommodation under the control of the immigration service at which people may be detained for more than five days.

Mr. Gummer

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the total annual cost of keeping individuals in custody at ports and airports while immigration inquiries are proceeding.

Mr. Raison

The annual cost of keeping persons in custody at ports and airports is impossible to determine precisely but, in the financial year 1978–79, the sum of £611,123 was paid in respect of such items as manpower, transport, meals and police escorts, of which £336,950 was recovered from carrying companies under the Immigration Act 1971. Rates, rent, lighting, heating and maintenance of the detention accommodation came to £65,994 in 1977–78. The 1978–79 figure is not yet available.

Mr. Gummer

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the daily cost of keeping persons held at Heathrow airport while immigration inquiries are completed.

Mr. Raison

The costs of detaining a person at any one centre cannot be estimated with any accuracy.