HC Deb 26 November 1996 vol 286 cc131-2W
Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what was the number of(a) men and (b) women held in custody in prisons in England and Wales while seeking political asylum in the United Kingdom as at 18 November. [5568]

Mr. Kirkhope

Information as at 18 November 1996 is not available. However, as at 5 November 1996, 319 men and six women who had sought asylum at some stage were recorded as being detained in prison service establishments in England and Wales.