Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Baroness Hanham (Conservative). It was answered on Thursday, 13 December 2007.

Immigration: X-rays

Question: My Lords, how accurate is dental age profiling perceived to be? Does the Minister agree with the Children’s Commissioner that such X-rays have a margin of error of about two years, which might produce fairly inaccurate results on children seeking asylum?

Answer: My Lords, the noble Baroness is correct. In about 95 per cent of cases it is within plus or minus two years, but this technique, combined with a social worker’s assessment and other techniques, can narrow down the possible range of ages. It is therefore a useful tool. People sometimes use dental X-rays to try to prove their own age. They are also used by many EU countries. However, it is because of the concern that has been expressed that we are having further consultation. The technique is part of a package of measures that will enable us to identify the age of immigrants.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 697 c320
Session: 2007-08
Oral question type: Supplementary
Chamber / Committee: House of Lords chamber
Subjects: Children Asylum Age Immigration controls Medical examinations X-rays
Link: View this Oral question on www.publications.parliament.uk