HL Deb 16 December 1994 vol 559 cc155-6WA
Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they will ensure that asylum seekers and others subject to detention on, or after, arrival are informed of the reasons for their detention, in writing in a language they understand, and also of their rights of appeal and to seek bail.

Baroness Blatch

All immigration detainees are informed of the reasons for detention orally, in a language which they can understand, with an interpreter present if necessary. All unsuccessful asylum applicants have a right of appeal and are given written guidance on how to exercise this right. All detainees also have information on

Table A: Applications received for asylum in the United Kingdom, excluding dependants, and decisions, 1989 to June 1994 Number of principal applicants
Applications received1 2 Decisions1 2 3 Applications pending at end of period
Refusals
Total decisions Recognised as a refugee and granted asylum4 Not recognised as a refugee but granted exceptional leave Total refused Refused asylum and exceptional leave after full consideration Refused on safe third country grounds Refused under para. 180F of Immigration Rules5
1 January–30 June
19946 14,730 9,360 385 1,680 7,300 5,870 480 950 50,040
1 Figures rounded to the nearest 5.
2 Figures exclude information on applications made overseas.
3 Decisions do not necessarily relate to applications made in the same period.
4 Excluding South East Asian refugees.
5 For failure to provide evidence to support the asylum claim within a reasonable period, including failure to respond to invitation to interview to establish identity.
6 Provisional figures.

how to seek legal advice and assistance, which would include advice on their right to apply for bail.