Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Avebury (Liberal Democrat). It was answered by Lord Bassam of Brighton (Labour) on Wednesday, 15 February 2006.

Immigration Detention Centres

Question: Whether they have any proposals to introduce further measures to prevent suicide and self-harm at immigration detention centres.

Answer: My Lords, the Government take such issues very seriously. Every Immigration Service removal centre has measures in place to help identify and monitor those who are considered to be at risk of suicide and self-harm. Since 1989, there have been 12 deaths in immigration detention; seven have been investigated by the Prisons and Probation Ombudsman—one is continuing—and we consider carefully his reports and recommendations, particularly for lessons that may be learnt for the future.

Secondary information