§ Mr. BakerTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department for what reasons personal possessions are removed from young asylum seekers when they arrive in the United Kingdom. [155929]
§ Mrs. Roche[holding answer 27 March 2001]: An immigration officer may remove and detain a passport or other document establishing a person's nationality and identity until leave to enter is granted or leave is refused and the person removed. An immigration officer may also examine any documents relevant to a person's request for leave to enter.
The possessions of young asylum seekers are not regarded differently to any other passenger. Where a young asylum seeker is subject to further examination it is possible that if, following a baggage examination, articles which could be used to harm them or others are found, these may be detained by immigration service contractors while the person remains at the port of entry.
§ Mr. ColemanTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when he will publish his Department's review into the voucher system for asylum seekers; and if he will make a statement. [155595]
§ Mrs. RocheI refer my hon. Friend to the reply I gave my hon. Friend the Member for Walthamstow (Mr. Gerrard) on 8 January 2001,Official Report, column 413W.