HL Deb 28 June 2001 vol 626 cc21-2WA
Lord Eames

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether the current arrangements in Northern Ireland for those detained while seeking asylum in the United Kingdom are satisfactory; and [HL5]

What plans they have to establish a specialised facility in Northern Ireland for the detention of those seeking asylum in the United Kingdom; and [HL6]

Whether they are prepared to review the situation in prisons in Northern Ireland for the detention of those seeking asylum in the United Kingdom; and [HL7]

How many of those seeking asylum in the United Kingdom are at present detained in prisons in Northern Ieland; and [HL8]

What is the average detention period for those held in prisons in Northern Ireland awaiting decisions on applications for asylum in the United Kingdom. [HL9]

Lord Rooker

The Government accept that the current arrangements for detention under Immigration Act powers in Northern Ireland are not ideal. We have been reviewing those arrangements and, whilst there are at present no plans to establish a dedicated immigration detention facility in Northern Ireland, we are considering a number of options, including transfer to a detention centre on the United Kingdom mainland and using the current prison accommodation in Northern Ireland more effectively. No final decisions have been reached.

As at 31 May, 16 people were detained under Immigration Act powers at Her Majesty's Prison Magilligan and Her Majesty's Prison Maghaberry in Northern Ireland. No information is held centrally about the average length of detention for those immigration detainees held in Northern Ireland.

Lord Hylton

asked Her Majesty's Government:

How many persons are now detained in prison in Northern Ireland under the Immigration Acts; what have been the maximum and minimum numbers of detainees at any time since the current Act came into operation; and what has been the average and the maximum length of individual detention during that period. [HL1]

Lord Rooker

As at 31 May, 16 people were detained in Northern Ireland under Immigration Act powers. Information about average and maximum length of detention and maximum and minimum numbers of detainees is not held centrally and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.