HL Deb 18 December 1996 vol 576 cc132-3WA
Lord Lester of Herne Hill

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether asylum seekers detained pending the determination of their applications have effective access to legal advice and speedy judicial review, and, if so, in what form.

Baroness Blatch

All detainees held under immigration powers, including asylum-seekers, are able to seek legal advice. Posters explaining the role of organisations such as the Refugee Legal Centre and Immigration Advisory Service are prominently displayed. Legal representatives visiting detainees in Immigration Detention Centres are normally allowed access between the hours of 9 am and 9 pm every day of the year. In addition, detainees have access to telephones for both incoming and outgoing calls. It is open to any asylum seeker to seek judicial review of his or her case at any time.