HL Deb 25 June 1990 vol 520 c1429WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

What is the longest period for which anyone now detained in connection with immigration or asylum has been held; what is the average and median period of detention of those in custody; and what steps are being taken to reduce the use of detention and to limit its length.

The Minister of State, Home Office (Earl Ferrers)

As at 19th June the longest period of detention of any person currently detained solely under Immigration Act powers was nine and a half months. Information on average and median periods of detention is not available centrally. Use of the power to detain under the Immigration Act is already kept to the minimum, and continuing detention in individual cases is regularly reviewed at progressively senior levels.