HC Deb 19 January 1989 vol 145 cc273-4W
Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the number of Nigerian citizens currently serving sentences in Her Majesty's prisons on immigration offences.

Mr. Douglas Hogg

According to the records held centrally, which may be incomplete, on 30 November 1988 no Nigerian citizens were serving sentences in Prison Service establishments in England and Wales for offences under the Immigration Act 1971.

Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what is the number of Nigerian citizens currently held in prisons in England and Wales pending a Home Office decision on deportation or permission to stay in the United Kingdom.

Mr. Renton

According to information available centrally, a total of 36 Nigerian citizens were detained as at 31 December 1988 under Immigration Act powers in Prison Service establishments in England and Wales. These include those being dealt with under deportation powers, as illegal entrants and after being detained at ports of entry.