HC Deb 28 June 1979 vol 969 cc270-1W
26. Miss Joan Lestor

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the latest figure of the number of people at present held in detention pending decision on admission to the United Kingdom.

Mr. Raison

Comprehensive information from the more than 50 ports of entry could be obtained only at disproportionate cost, but on the night of 17 and 18 June, 49 people were detained at the detention centre at Harmondsworth and 10 at the Queens Building.

31. Mr. Gummer

asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department whether he will initiate an accurate costing of the annual expenditure on the detention of aliens at airports and ports of entry.

Mr. Raison

I shall write to my hon. Friend.