HC Deb 19 March 2003 vol 401 cc858-9W
Mr. Keetch

To ask the Parliamentary Secretary, Lord Chancellor's Department when(a) Newport asylum court and (b) Stoke asylum court were completed; when each concluded its first case; and if he will make a statement.

Ms Rosie Winterton

Neither Hearing Centre has been used for hearings. Newport was ready to commence hearings on 2 December 2002. However, planning consent for change of use was refused before that date. The Immigration Appellate Authority has subsequently appealed against that decision and this is being dealt with by public inquiry.

Stoke was ready to commence hearings on 9 December 2002. However, planning consent for change of use was refused before that date. The Immigration Appellate Authority has been successful in its appeal against that decision and hearings are due to commence by 7 April 2003.