Oral question asked in the House of Lords, by Lord Campbell-Savours (Labour). It was answered on Thursday, 13 December 2007.

Immigration: X-rays

Question: My Lords, if the margin of error can be as much as two years, can we be assured that no decisions will be taken on these matters exclusively on the basis of such data?

Answer: My Lords, that is correct. Indeed, we bend over backwards to ensure that the error tends to be the other way. That is why I am concerned about these child protection issues. The number of children who have been returned to any country is very small. We are careful not to use X-rays as the sole data, but they are useful. We are still consulting and this might not be the final outcome. We must wait until the paper comes out in the spring.

Secondary information

Type: Oral question
Reference: 697 c321
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