§ Lord Eamesasked Her Majesty's Government:
How many non-British citizens are at present detained in Northern Ireland under immigration legislation; in what circumstances they are detained; and what provision is made for their detention prior to a decision being made on their eligibility to enter the United Kingdom. [HL1146]
§ The Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Home Office (Lord Williams of Mostyn)As at 24 March 1998, there were 13 persons detained in Northern Ireland under Immigration Act powers. Of these, one was detained due to doubts over his identity, one was the subject of a deportation order, two were absconders from other ports and nine were illegal entrants. All are currently held in Her Majesty's Prison Magilligan. Temporary detention facilities are available in holding rooms at both Belfast International Airport and Belfast City Office, where detainees are held for short periods pending arrangements for transfer to more secure accommodation.