HC Deb 17 March 1994 vol 239 cc780-1W
Mr. Allen

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many individuals are currently detained at Campsfield; and of these how many are(a) on hunger strike and (b) being force fed.

Mr. Winnick

To ask the Secretary of State being for the Home Department how many people are currently being held at Campsfield house; and how many have refused food; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Charles Wardle

On Tuesday 15 March there were 191 people detained at Campsfield house; 118 were refusing food; none has been force-fed.

Mr Winnick

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department who is responsible for the management of Campsfield house; who previously held such responsibility; how frequently Home Office officials visit Campsfield; and how reports on its management are made to Ministers.

Mr. Charles Wardle

Since its opening on 29 November 1993 the Campsfield house immigration detention centre has been managed on behalf of the Immigration Service by Group 4 Total Security Ltd. under a total management contract. Home Office officials are based permanently at Campsfield house to oversee the management of the contract and report, through senior headquarters staff, to Ministers.

Mr. Winnick

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department on what date a Minister in his Department most recently visited Campsfield house.

Mr. Charles Wardle

I visited Campsfield house today.

Mr. Winnick

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how long on average it takes his Department to reach a decision on individual cases of those held at Campsfield house; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Charles Wardle

The information is not readily available and could be obtained only at disproportionate cost.

Mr. Winnick

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what steps he has taken to ensure that those held at Campsfield house are fully able to put their reasons to his officials for wishing to stay in the United Kingdom; what percentage of those held at Campsfield have been able to have qualified representatives to argue their case at the Home Office; and if he will make a statement.

Mr. Charles Wardle

All those detained under the powers contained in the Immigration Act 1971 have the reasons for that detention explained to them and they are informed of their right to legal advice and assistance, in a language which they understand. In addition, at Campsfield house there are posters advertising the free services available from the Immigration Advisory Service and the refugee legal centre and detainees are free to make and receive telephone calls. Legal representation may visit detainees between 9 am and 9 pm every day. Others may visit between 2 pm and 9 pm, every day. The permanent Immigration Service staff at the centre are also available to provide advice and assistance as necessary.