§ Mrs. ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many asylum seekers on hunger strike at Her Majesty's prison, Rochester have been detained longer than two months. [15580]
§ Miss Widdecombe[holding answer 13 February 1977]: On 14 February 1997, the total number of detainees taking part in the protest at Rochester was six, of whom five have sought asylum at some stage. All have been detained for longer than two months.
§ Mrs. ClwydTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department how many hunger strikers at Her Majesty's prison, Rochester have alleged torture in their applications for asylum; and how many of these have had access to independent medical assessment of their allegations. [15581]
§ Miss Widdecombe[holding answer 13 February 1997]: Such information is not readily available but any such allegations would have been considered very carefully by both the Home Office and, if an appeal had been heard, by independent adjudicators. The Prison Service affords detainees at Rochester and their legal advisers the facilities to obtain independent medical assessments and advice.