§ Mr. RedmondTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers are currently being detained in Her Majesty's prison establishments awaiting the outcome of their asylum applications; what is the average length of time they are held in prison; and what are the comparable figures for (i) 12, (ii) .24, (iii) 36 and (iv) 48 months ago.
§ Mr. Charles WardleThe information is not available in the form requested. However, on 21 October 1993, 225 asylum seekers had been detained for one month or more in prison establishments including the Home Office holding centre, Haslar. Of these, 76 had been held for between one and three months; 70 for between three and six months; and 79 for over six months.