§ Mr. MaddenTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many people are currently detained for immigration purposes; what is the longest period of detention; how many people detained for immigration purposes have, over each of the last three years, obtained bail; what procedures exist under which a person detained for immigration purposes may apply for bail; and if he will make a statement [9176]
§ Mr. Kirkhope[holding answer 16 December 1996]The latest information relates to 31 October 1996 when 1,033 persons were detained solely under Immigration Act powers in Prison Service establishments or Immigration Service detention centres. The longest period of detention at that time was 75 months and related to a586W person since released whose case was awaiting a decision from the European Court of Human Rights. Statistics on detainees who obtained bail are not held centrally and could be provided only at disproportionate cost. With certain limited exceptions, anyone who is detained can apply for bail. An application can be made to a chief immigration officer, a police inspector or an immigration adjudicator.