§ Lord AVEBURYasked Her Majesty's Government:
Why Mr. Abraham Habte, a refugee from Eritrea, was detained in Pentonville Prison from about a week after his arrival in the United Kingdom on 12th November 1979; until 1st February 1980; whether he has now been officially admitted as a refugee; why the Refugee Counsellor of the United Kingdom Immigrants Advisory Service has never been informed of this case, and whether they will circulate to the U.K.I.A.S. and the Joint Council for the Welfare of Immigrants details of all persons detained in prisons or police stations under Immigration Act powers not more than 48 hours after any such persons have been detained.
§ Lord BELSTEADMr. Habte's arrival in this country first came to official notice on 22nd December, when he was arrested in London by the British Transport Police. He said he had arrived at Felixstowe some days previously as a stowaway, and he was detained in Pentonville Prison as an illegal entrant. There he was interviewed on three occasions, and late in January it was decided to recognise him as a refugee. The British Council for Aid to Refugees was informed and made arrangements for his accommodation. It is not necessary in such circumstances for the United Kingdom Immigrants Advisory Service to be informed.