§ Lord Eamesasked Her Majesty's Government:
Whether they consider detention in Her Majesty's Prison Magilligan is desirable or suitable for persons whose entry into a part of the United Kingdom is under investigation; and whether they are considering detention of such cases in another institution or location more suitable than a prison. [HL1974]
39WA
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Williams of Mostyn)The use of HMP Magilligan to house detainees is not ideal, but represents the only viable option for the small number of cases in which immigration detention in Northern Ireland is deemed appropriate. The provision of a separate detention centre in Northern Ireland has been considered but cannot be justified on cost or efficiency grounds. Transfer to a mainland detention centre, where detainees would be distanced from friends and representatives, would not be reasonable.