HC Deb 25 February 2003 vol 400 cc397-8W
Mr. Viggers

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department when his Department was made aware that the Daedalus site at Lee-on-the-Solent might be available for Home Office purposes. [99014]

Beverley Hughes

We announced on 11 February 2003 that we had identified HMS Daedalus as a potential site for an Accommodation Centre. We have put this into the public domain because, following preliminary work, we consider the site to be a serious prospect for an Accommodation Centre.

We first became aware in November 2002 that this site might become available for this purpose.

Mr. Viggers

To ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what extra resources the Home Office will provide for Hampshire Constabulary for the policing of the Daedalus site at Lee-on-the-Solent in the event of the possible residential unit for young male asylum seekers being approved. [99015]

Beverley Hughes

The site at HMS Daedalus is being considered as a potential suitable site for an accommodation centre for single male asylum seekers. A final decision has not yet been taken. Detailed consultations have not yet begun.