§ Mr. CorbettTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many Iraqi and other nationals taken into custody in connection with events in the Gulf are still detained; and what steps he is taking to release them.
§ Mr. Peter LloydAt 4 March, 31 Iraqis and two other nationals were detained under the provisions of the Immigration Act 1971 pending deportation for reasons of national security and 32 Iraqis were detained as prisoners of war.
With the exception of those held as prisoners of war, whose release is a matter for the Ministry of Defence, any detainee is free to leave the United Kingdom at any time. The decisions to detain and to deport continue to be reviewed on an individual basis in the light of representations received, including the advice of the advisory panel.
§ Mr. DarlingTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many individuals detained by him on the ground of national security under the Immigration Act 1971 have(a) appealed and (b) have had their cases determined by his advisory panel since 16 January 1991, of these how many have been (i) recommended for deportation and (ii) recommended for release; and how many have been (1) released and (2) deported.
§ Mr. Peter Lloyd[holding answer 4 March 1991]: Fifty-six of those detained under the Immigration Act requested an appearance before the advisory panel and 42 have been heard since 16 January. Those who have not been heard have requested postponements.
The advice of the panel is confidential but following consideration of this advice and all other representations, my right hon. Friend has decided to continue deportation action in 20 cases and to take no further action in 13. In the other nine cases, the advice is awaited or is under consideration.
A total of 20 were released from detention following my right hon. Friend's consideration of the advice. Two have left the United Kingdom after deportation orders were made against them.