HL Deb 07 March 2003 vol 645 cc140-2WA
The Earl of Sandwich

asked Her Majesty's Government:

Whether they have established minimum standards of accommodation, free time and visiting hours in the new immigration removal centres; and, if so, whether they will provide details of those standards as applied to Haslar and other comparable centres. [HL1933]

Lord Filkin

The Detention Centre Rules 2001 make provision for the regulation and management of removal centres. All removal centres are required to operate under the rules, which include provisions relating to the suitability of accommodation, freedom of movement and association, and visits.

In addition to the Detention Centre Rules, we are currently in the process of establishing a comprehensive set of operating standards for removal centres. The operating standards will complement the rules and will provide measurable and auditable standards against which any removal centre will be assessed. Issues such as accommodation, free time and visiting hours will be included in these operating standards. That said, tile matter of visiting hours remains under continuous review and we will he considering whether there may be room for improvement at certain centres, including Haslar.