HC Deb 12 March 1997 vol 292 cc215-6W
Mr. Cox

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department (1) what is the longest period of time for which any of the hunger strikers currently detained in Rochester prison has been on hunger strike; and if he will make a statement; [19899]

(2) how many people are currently being held in Rochester prison who are seeking asylum in the United Kingdom; of these how many are at present on hunger strike; and if he will make a statement. [19898]

Miss Widdecombe

On Friday 7 March, a total of 195 persons were detained at Her Majesty's prison Rochester solely under Immigration Act powers. Of these, 152 had, at some time, claimed asylum. There were no immigration detainees refusing prison prepared meals.

During the most recent occasion when persons detained under Immigration Act powers refused food, the longest period of time an individual refused prison prepared meals was 46 days.

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