§ Mr. ThurnhamTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what action he is taking to improve the efficiency of the allocation of immigration cases to detention centres. [33994]
Mr. BakerPlans are in hand to introduce a revised detention allocation system designed to ensure that the best use is made of available space in accordance with agreed priorities.
§ Miss HoeyTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he will re-examine immigration service policy with a view to ending the detention of any person in police custody solely for having contravened immigration laws. [33996]
Mr. BakerThe initial detention of an immigration offender arrested within the United Kingdom will continue to require the use of police cells. However, the Immigration (Places of Detention) Direction 1994 limits detention in police cells under immigration powers to a maximum of five days—seven days if directions for removal within that period have been given. Every effort is made to transfer immigration detainees to more suitable accommodation as soon as this can be arranged.