§ Simon HughesTo ask the Secretary of State for the Home Department what progress has been made in considering the appeals of prisoners detained under the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001; and if he will make a statement. [121950]
§ Mr. Blunkett15 foreign nationals have so far been detained using powers in Part 4 of the Anti-terrorism, Crime and Security (ATCS) Act 2001. Of the total detained, two have voluntarily left the United Kingdom. The other 13 remain in detention.
On 19 May 2003, individual appeals for eight of the ATCS Act detainees who were certified in December 2001, and two of the subsequent detainees, began being heard before the Special Immigration Appeals Commission (SIAC). This first batch of appeals will continue throughout the summer.
At this time, five of the individual appeals have been heard by SIAC. Determinations have yet to be issued by SIAC in these cases.
The remaining appeals are expected to be heard by SIAC in the autumn. The timing of these appeals is a matter for the Government.