HC Deb 30 November 1993 vol 233 c405W
Mrs. Roche

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) when he plans to cease holding asylum seekers in the Prison Service;

(2) by how many places he intends to increase immigration detention centres.

Mr. Charles Wardle

The opening of Campsfield House detention centre on 29 November provided 200 additional detention spaces. In addition, we plan to increase the number of places available in immigration detention centres by another 135. However, there will be a continuing need for some detainees held under powers contained in the Immigration Act 1971—including some asylum applicants—to be accommodated in Prison Service establishments for the foreseeable future.